Poster for the 16th Exhibition at the Vienna Secession

• Alfred Roller (1864–1935)
• 1902
• Color lithograph on paper
• Leopold Museum, Vienna

The 16th Exhibition of the Vienna Secession, with “art for art” as its main theme, presented the group’s liberal and innovative art. This event included a special focus on Ver Sacrum (Latin for “holy spring”), the group’s official magazine that published progressive art works. Alfred Roller combined simple forms and abstract decorations for this lithograph poster. The compressed lettering , which is difficult to read, was Roller’s way of drawing attention. The bold and condensed typeface became a hallmark of his designs.