The Vienna Secession

In this episode of "In Our Time," Melvyn Bragg leads a discussion with Mark Berry, Leslie Topp, and Diane Silverthorne about the Vienna Secession, an art movement that emerged in the late 19th century. The conversation explores the movement's origins as a breakaway from Vienna's conservative art establishment, its guiding vision of uniting fine and applied arts, and the influence of figures like Gustav Klimt. The panelists delve into the social and political context of Vienna, including the impact of Viennese coffeehouse culture, the rise of anti-Semitism, and the influence of figures like Beethoven and Freud. They also discuss the Secession Building as a physical manifestation of the movement's ideals, and the legacy of the Secession in modern art and design. The discussion extends into the complex relationship between the Secession, its Jewish patrons, and the prevailing anti-Semitism of the time, as well as the role of women in the movement.