Invitation to Join the Supporters of the Hagenbund, 1911 - 1912

Rudolf Junk (1880–1943) succeeded Joseph Urban (1872–1933) as the main graphic designer of the Künstlerbund Hagen. From 1907, his ornamental woodcuts, which were inspired by the floral motifs of the British Arts & Crafts movement and the Wiener Werkstätte, became a characteristic feature of the association’s catalogues. This Invitation to Join the Supporters of the Hagenbund also displays the dense, symmetrical foliage and flowers typical of Junk’s work. His design is remarkable for the homogeneous overall effect of writing and ornamentation; the floral arabesques that take up the entire space around the text grow from an undulating line that is reflected in the letters. Junk was highly respected for his designs. This is for instance evidenced by the fact that the 1914 International Book Trade and Graphics Exhibition, Leipzig presented several of his cover pages and invitations.

Transcription:

The Hagenbund makes the humble request that the illustrious addressee kindly support its efforts by joining the “art lovers’ society”. In return for an annual contribution of 20 c.[rowns], “art lovers” receive free entry to every exhibition opening & the opportunity to obtain works of art at an annual lottery.

LVD, 2024