What is the meaning of the furniture term Secession?

Answer:
Secession is a design style that emerged in Vienna around 1896 as a reaction against the academic and conservative art of the time. It was closely associated with the Viennese Secession movement, led by artists such as Gustav Klimt, Koloman Moser, and Josef Hoffmann.

In terms of furniture, the Secession style focused on creating modern, innovative and artistic pieces. It sought to break away from the heavy, ornamented and historically-inspired furniture of the past, instead embracing simplicity, clean lines and functionality.

Secession furniture was often characterized by the use of geometric shapes, especially squares, rectangles and circles. It utilized new materials and techniques, such as bentwood, steel tubing, and glass, to achieve a more streamlined and contemporary look. The designs were minimalistic, with emphasis on the quality of craftsmanship and the inherent beauty of materials.

Notable examples of Secession furniture include Hoffmanns iconic Kubus armchair, with its cubic form and exposed wooden frame, or Mosers elegant leather and wood chairs that featured geometric patterns and restrained ornamentation.

The Secession style in furniture played a crucial role in shaping the aesthetics and principles of modern design, influencing subsequent movements such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco.
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