Laurel leaves, dome of the Secession, Photo: Daniel Faust
The laurel leaf is the dominant symbol in the completed building. It can be found on the pilasters of the front/anterior wing and the entrance niche/recess, as well as in the various garlands along the side elevations and it hovers over the building in the form of the 3000 gilt leaves and 700 berries of the dome.
Laurel leaves, dome of the Secession, Photo: Margherita Spiluttini
The entrance area is decorated by the masks of the three Gorgons, which symbolise architecture, sculpture and painting. The side elevations also feature owls that were formed by Olbrich himself (to the designs of Kolo Moser). The Gorgons and the owl are attributes of Pallas Athene, the godess of wisdom, victory and the crafts. Joseph Maria Olbrich integrated a symbolic language in the building, that is given a fresh and unacademic/unpedantic interpretation here.
Gorgons, Photo: Daniel Faust
For further information and photographic material please contact:
Tamara Schwarzmayr
Secession, Association of Visual Artists Vienna Secession
Friedrichstraße 12, 1010 Vienna
Tel: +43-1-5875307-21, Fax: +43-1-5875307-34
presse@secession.at