The Wittgenstein Vitrine: Modern Opulence in Vienna

The Wittgenstein Vitrine, a monumental cabinet of silver and gemstones, is among the most complex and significant works produced by the Wiener Werkstätte.

In his essay, Kevin W. Tucker develops a layered portrait of the vitrine, situating it within its stylistic origins and cultural context, the influence of the Wittgenstein family, and Vienna at the height of its artistic and intellectual intensity.

Tucker examines how the vitrine and its presentation at the Kunstschau of 1908 articulated contemporary debates on progressive ornamentation and reflected shifting definitions of modernity in the early twentieth century. A companion essay by Fran Baas documents the eight-month conservation process of the cabinet, uncovering construction details that had remained hidden since its original assembly.

The publication is richly illustrated with photographs that highlight the vitrine’s floral and faunal ornamentation as well as contextual images of related works by the Wiener Werkstätte. It also stands as the only English-language publication to date that presents the work and biography of the vitrine’s designer, Carl Otto Czeschka (1878–1960).