Beschreibung:

Viribus Unitis, Das Buch vom Kaiser, mit einer Einleitung von Dr. Josef Alexander Freiherrn von Helfert, Vienna, [1898], three illuminated chromolithographed plates by Koloman Moser including title and dedication leaf, numerous plates and illustrations by various artists, 3 plates near centre detached (one with small loss to fore margin), some light spotting (mainly to margins), red silk doublures (silk inside front cover split along fore edge), all edges gilt, original elaborately decorated leather gilt, somewhat spotted and soiled, front cover with gilt and enamelled mountings including the imperial crown and monogram, gilt and enamelled clasp in the design of the insignia of the Order of the Golden Fleece, rear cover with four gilt bosses, contained in original drop-back box (soiled and broken), with gilt monogrammed lining and embossed lid, large folio This is a scarce first edition of this work commemorating the 50th anniversary of the rule of Austrian Emperor Franz Josef. "Viribus Unitis" was the personal motto of the emperor. The binding was elaborately designed by Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann in what is a fine example of German Art Nouveau style. Hoffman and Koloman Moser later established the Wiener Werkst�tte (Vienna Workshop), a group of artists who together produced ceramics, textiles, sculpture, furniture and other works. The Wiener Werkstatte was regarded as a pioneer of modern design, and its influence can be seen in later styles such as Bauhaus and Art Deco. (1)