FRANZ WÜRBEL (1852-?) A. PICHLERS WITWE & SOHN. Circa 1890. 48x36 1/2 inches, 122x93 cm. Ch. Reisler & M. Werther, Vienna. Condition B+: repaired tears in margins and image; overpainting in margins; minor restored loss in image. Two sheets. An image executed in the classic, almost academic style consistent with German and Austrian chromolithography before the introduction of the Jugendstil and Secession at the end of the 19th century. Yet unlike many of the other subject matters advertised by early Austrian posters, the warm theme of this image belies and even transcends the painterly qualities of the presentation. The scene of upper-middle class domestic tranquility radiates charm in the form of a mother and her servants watching over children completely entranced with their toys, within the comfort of their parlor. The poster is also a rare document in that it presents games and toys that were manufactured for the children of well-to-do families in the Golden Years of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. But not just any toys. These were very progressive toys. Fröbel was an important early educator (actually credited with creating the concept of Kindergarten). He emphasized the creativity and stimulation that children needed. When Frank Lloyd Wright was a child he actually played with Fröbel's building blocks
