Design for a cover or title page for the 25th anniversary publication of the Viennese Graphic Design School (1888-1913)

Erwin Puchinger

1913 · Black gouache over graphite underdrawing, corrections in white gouache and editorial notes in graphite · Drawings and Prints

Puchinger attended the Viennese Graphic Design School in the early 1890s, and remained affiliated with the institution during his professional career. He taught drawing classes there, and eventually became chair of the manual graphics design department. It is with good reason, therefore, that Puchinger proudly signed his designs for the cover of the portfolio that was published in honor of the school’s 25th anniversary in 1913. Two versions of his design are in the Met's collection. While they are almost identical in composition, they represent different stages in his working process. This version in black and white shows Puchinger finalizing his composition with quick annotations to indicate color and size adjustments. The final design was printed in three colors (black, white and gold) on a blue cloth cover.

Artist

Erwin Puchinger

Date

1913

Medium

Black gouache over graphite underdrawing, corrections in white gouache and editorial notes in graphite

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Harry G. Sperling Fund, 2016