Variety Act 1: Maxi the Ichthyosaurus Turned Man (Varietenummer 1: Maxi der Mensch Gewor Dene Ichthyosaurus)

Art Historical Context

In the vibrant world of early 20th-century Vienna, *Variety Act 1: Maxi the Ichthyosaurus Turned Man* (1907) captures the whimsical spirit of cabaret and variety shows. Created by Moriz Jung as part of the Wiener Werkst—a pioneering collective blending fine art with decorative design—this color lithograph depicts a fantastical ichthyosaurus, an ancient marine reptile, transformed into a tipsy humanoid figure. The title evokes the playful, satirical performances popular in Viennese theaters, where myth and modernity collided for humorous effect. Printed in a compact 5½ × 3⅝ inches, this lithograph exemplifies the Wiener Werkstätte's mastery of bold, flat colors and stylized forms, hallmarks of the Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) movement. Lithography allowed Jung to layer vibrant hues with precision, creating a dynamic composition that draws viewers into the creature's boozy escapade—complete with drinking motifs that nod to the era's café culture and lighthearted revelry. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, this rare print highlights Jung's contribution to graphic arts during Vienna's Secessionist heyday. It invites us to ponder the cultural fusion of science, myth, and mischief, reminding visitors of how art once amplified the absurdities of everyday entertainment.

About the Artist

Moriz Jung|Wiener Werkstätte · 1885–1915

Austrian (born Czechoslovakia) Moravia 1885–1915 Manilowa (Carpathians)|