Poster, Kolner Ausstellung, Mai-Oktober (Cologne Exhibition), 1907 Designed by Joseph Maria Olbrich (1867-1908) Published by M. Dumont Schauberg, Cologne Lithograph 41 1/2 x 25 1/8" TD1990.161.5 A founding member of the Vienna Secession, the architect and designer J.M. Olbrich moved to Germany in 1899 to contribute to the Darmstadt artists' colony. There he laid out the entire site and designed almost all of the buildings. The visual legacy of Vienna is evident in the design of this poster. Olbrich combined abstract geometric shapes, stylized lettering, a limited palette, and the allegorical figure of Athena, Greek goddess of wisdom and the arts of civilization. Athena embodied the principal goal of the design reform movement - the unity of the arts and crafts. Back to German Design Reform Main Back to Collections Main