1911 Austrian Presentation Album with Printed Photographs Added in 2013
Item Details
Description: A massive ‘elephant folio’ presentation album contained in its original fitted wooden case with a glazed lid. Binding: Dark Morocco leather featuring elaborate, high-relief gilt-bronze (or brass) corner bosses and central mounts. The metalwork displays stylized floral motifs typical of the Viennese Secession/Jugendstil movement, inlaid with vibrant champlevé enamel in red, green, and white. The central cartouche bears the large interlocking monogram ‘FRZ’ flanked by laurel branches. Maker: Stamped ‘Josef Wachtl, Wien I. Plankeng. 4,’ a noted Viennese bookbinder. Dedication: Contains a highly decorative illuminated dedication page on vellum/heavy stock, inscribed in German Gothic script to ‘Herrn Franz Ritter Regenhart von Zapory’ (Mr. Franz Knight Regenhart of Zapory). The dedication commemorates his 80th birthday (1831–1911) and is presented by the administrative staff (‘Beamten-Personale’) of the Nationale Vereinigte Textilwerke Aktiengesellschaft (National United Textile Works JSC). Contents Note: The original 1911 photographs are lost. The album currently contains a series of digitally printed photographs selected by Theodore Gantz in 2013, featuring male nude artist models and athletes.
Historical Significance: The recipient, Franz Ritter Regenhart von Zapory (1831–1911), was a significant figure in the Austro-Hungarian textile industry. He was a partner in Regenhart & Raymann, a world-renowned linen manufacturer and ‘Imperial and Royal Court Supplier’ (K.u.K. Hoflieferant). This album was a high-level corporate gift marking his 80th birthday, representing the peak of industrial wealth in the twilight of the Empire.
| Type | Presentation Album |
| Illustrator | Atelier Josef Wachtl, Vienna |
| Publication Year | 1911 and 2013 |
| Period | Early 20th Century, Early 21st Century |
| Place of Publication | Vienna, Austria |
| Additional Information | Case is leather over wood, glass, silk, and metal. The album is leather, enamel, metal, silk, watercolor and gouache over traces of graphite on paper with ink and gilt, and digitally printed photographs. |
Condition
- case: cracked leather at corners; accretions; surface grime; wear to silk from metal decorations; right side lining panel has detached; left side lining panel detached in center.
- album: edge wear to pages; residue from handling; surface wear and scratches to painted pages, accretions; foxing; fraying to fabric binding; disintegrating leather on cover; discoloration of spine; rubbing and abrasions to leather cover.
Dimensions
- measures case; album when closed measures 22.75"W x 4"H x 18.25"D.
- This item may be especially difficult to move and/or transport. The winner is responsible for bringing appropriate assistance, vehicle, proper materials, and any necessary tools to pickup. International shipping may be restricted.
- Please note: If the winning bidder selects the warehouse transfer option, the item will be available for pickup at the selected warehouse three business days after payment has been finalized.
Item #
ITMGR74153
