Joseph Maria Olbrich – A Rare Pair of Jugendstil Candlesticks

A rare pair of Jugendstil candlesticks by Josef Maria Olbrich, executed in fine pewter by Eduard Hueck, c. 1900.

Josef Maria Olbrich – A Rare Pair of Jugendstil Candlesticks

An exceptional and rare pair of Jugendstil candlesticks, designed by Josef Maria Olbrich (1867–1908) and executed in fine pewter by Eduard Hueck, Lüdenscheid, circa 1900.

Olbrich was a founding member of the Vienna Secession and one of the leading architects and designers of Viennese Modernism. As the architect of the iconic Secession Building in Vienna, he played an important role in the transition from the organic language of Jugendstil towards modern design.

Standing 36.2 cm high, these sculptural candlesticks display Olbrich’s distinctive design language. Their slender, architectural construction is combined with elegant ribbon ornaments, volute-like curves and stylized leaf motifs. The harmony between symmetry, flowing lines and botanical ornament makes this model a true icon of Jugendstil design. The undersides bear Olbrich’s ligated artist’s monogram and the manufacturer’s mark E. HUECK EDELZINN 1819.

A Remarkable Provenance

The history of this particular pair is equally exceptional. During the 1980s, the candlesticks were given to a missionary involved in the construction of a church in Africa. They were intended to accompany him, but proved too large for his luggage and consequently remained in the Netherlands.

In November 2000, this very pair appeared on the renowned Dutch television programme Tussen Kunst & Kitsch, where it was examined by Jugendstil and Art Deco expert Frans Leidelmeijer.

The candlesticks subsequently inspired an episode of Tussen Kunst & Kitsch op Reis. Their owners, Lei and Mientje Linssen, travelled with Leidelmeijer to Vienna, where they visited, among other sites, Olbrich’s iconic Secession Building. The programme was broadcast on 29 July 2001.

The combination of rarity, iconic design and remarkable documented provenance makes this pair an exceptional example of Olbrich’s Jugendstil designs.