Josef Witzel 1896 Jugend Illustrated Cover

1896 cover illustration for “Jugend: Münchner Illustrierte Wochenschrift fur Kunst und Leben,” published by Georg Hirth and one of the preeminent Art Nouveau journals of the era and the basis for the term, “Jugendstil.” Cover design and illustration by Josef Rudolf Witzel, Munich and signed by him in the lower right corner. Dimensions: 7.87”(W) x 11”(H).

Published in the magazine from its very first year, Witzel's work exemplifies the curvilinear aspects of the Art Nouveau style. Whether in humor, charm, or political commentary, Witzel uses the curved line to fill the frame in clever ways.