Cry for Help
1904
Designed by Josef Hoffmann (Austrian, 1870–1956) Produced by Johann Backhausen & Söhne (Austrian, 1849-2012) Austria, Vienna
Vienna
The relationship between a fabric’s design and its title is often obscure, but this work likely derived its title from the commission for which it was made: the Pukersdorf Sanatorium and spa. Josef Hoffmann designed the entire complex, including this fabric, in 1904. It was used as upholstery for several rooms in the sanatorium; this particular convalescent institution became popular with the social elite of nearby Vienna.
Cotton and wool, three-color complementary weft plain weave with inner warps