Definition

Noun: 1. An Austrian school of art and architecture parallel to the French art nouveau in the 1890s: Sezession refers specifically to a modernist movement in Austria, primarily in Vienna, that rebelled against the conservative artistic establishment. It is characterized by its ornamental, linear style and is the Austrian equivalent of the Art Nouveau movement.

Usage

The word "sezession" is a proper noun used to name a specific historical art movement. It is typically capitalized and used in academic, historical, or artistic contexts when discussing Central European art history.

Examples

• The Sezession building in Vienna, with its distinctive golden dome, is an iconic landmark of the movement.
• Artists of the Sezession, such as Gustav Klimt, broke away from traditional academic art.
• The Sezession movement had a profound influence on graphic design and decorative arts in Austria.

Advanced Usage

• "Vienna Secession": This is the most common full name for the movement, emphasizing its geographic and cultural center.
  • The Vienna Secession was founded in 1897 by a group of artists including Gustav Klimt.
• The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe works, styles, or exhibitions associated with the movement.
  • The museum is hosting an exhibition of Sezession posters.

Variants and Related Words

• Secessionist (noun/adjective): A member or supporter of the Sezession movement; relating to the Sezession.
  • The secessionist artists published their own journal, "Ver Sacrum".
• Jugendstil (noun): The German name for the same general artistic style (Art Nouveau), used more broadly in German-speaking countries.
• Art Nouveau (noun): The wider international artistic movement to which the Sezession belongs.

Synonyms

• Vienna Secession (This is the full, specific name and a direct synonym).
• Austrian Art Nouveau (A descriptive synonym).

Notes on Different Meanings

• Important Distinction: The word "sezession" is the German spelling for "secession." In a general English context, "secession" refers to the act of withdrawing formally from a federation or political entity (e.g., the secession of the southern US states). However, when capitalized and used in an art historical context, "Sezession" refers exclusively to the Austrian art movement. The two meanings are homographs but refer to entirely different concepts.

Noun

1. an Austrian school of art and architecture parallel to the French art nouveau in the 1890s