Kubus designer Josef Hoffmann was born in Austria in 1870. At the age of 17, Josef Hoffmann started studying classic architecture in Brunn. From there, he studied architecture under Karl Freiherr von Hasenauer at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. At that time, von Hasenauer was one of Europe's most popular architects. After von Hasenauer's death, Otto Wagner, Europe's most famous 19th-century architect, took over the class. Josef Hoffmann went on to work for Wagner later in his career. Two of Hoffmann's enduring furniture designs, the Hoffmann Kubus and the Hoffmann Velvet Chair, have remained very popular into the 21st century. The Josef Hoffmann Kubus Armchair was presented at the International Exhibition held in Buenos Aires in 1910 on the centennial of Argentine Independence, known as la Revolución de Mayo. Josef Hoffmann had a preference for geometric composition based on the square, which was later attributed to his own formal language, known as "Quadratstil." This language was evident in everything Josef Hoffmann created, both in his architectural designs and in his innovative furniture designs. The Kubus design features derivations of the loveseat and three-seat sofas, as shown here. Made in Italy. Dimensions: H 29 1/4" D 31 1/2" W 87 3/4"; SH 16" Materials: Upholstered three-seat sofa with black and silver painted wood legs. Hardwood frame covered in expanded foam. Cushions in foam. Covered in stitched leather squares.
