Carl Otto Czeschka: Die Nibelungen

 

Carl Otto Czeschka was considered one of the most important designers of the Wiener Werkstätte (Vienna Workshop).  A contemporary of Klimt, he left behind a great legacy of Art Nouveau riches in various media including drawings, graphics, fonts, woodcuts , stained glass windows, book art work, calendars, jewelry, postcards, logos, fabrics, tapestries, furniture and theater costumes for Max Reinhardt.

In my research for my current Nibelungenlied project I stumbled across this beautifully presented video of Czeschka illustrations for Franz Heim's interpretation of Die Nibelungenlied published in 1909.  The original edition contains some exquisitely illuminated plates highlighted in gold.

These images are considered to be a source of inspiration for Fritz Lang for his film version of 1924.  Enjoy this valuable example of the Vienna Secession to the music of Wagner's Parisfal.