Lefler and Urban Collection at Spirit of the Ages

Throughout the page that follows, we have presented vintage images from Csoda Album prepared by Lefler and Urban based

We have developed a range of Giftware that includes images reproduced from the 1st Edition plates in our collection to

ensure the most accurate form, line and colour possible. We have utilised a high definition capture and reproduction

technique for the images - in contrast to the low definition representation necessary for this website. The illustrations are

available as cards, infants' clothing, T-shirts and unmatted, matted or framed prints (8x6", 10x8", 12x10", 15x10" and 30 x 20"

images sizes). Pricing starts at US$4 for single Gift Cards (US$18 for select packs of 6) and 10 x 8" prints (double-matted and

framed) begin at US$60. Further details on those reproduction images are available at the Giftware section of this site.

Details on purchasing also appear towards the end of the page, but should you wish to discuss an order, please contact us

and a brief description (and rest assured, we do accept payment through PayPal or Direct Bank Deposit).

In the meantime, enjoy browsing our selection of genuine vintage and antique plates.

Heinrich Lefler (1863-1919) and Joseph Urban (1872-1933) were artists - and brothers-in-law - who often worked in

collaboration and also founded the Hagenbund - an exhibiting society similar to the Secessionists. Lefler was a painter

and Urban was skilled as an architect, book illustrator, exhibit designer, interior decorator and set designer.

Lefler and Urban collaborated on a number of illustrated books, in addition to designs for more than 20 theatrical

Soon after the publication of Csoda Album, in 1912, Urban emigrated to the United States where he established a

reputation in set design for such productions as the Boston Opera Company, the Ziegfield Follies and the Metropolitan

Opera. At one time, he was Art Director for William Randolph Hearst's Cosmopolitan Studios. He also created

landmark architecture, including the Paramount Theatre Building, Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida and the New School

To the left, we show a rare copy of Csoda Album by Lefler and Urban, produced in 1911 with the original decoratively gilt-stamped green cloth cover.

On the right, we show the

elaborate End Papers.

Below, we show the dual Title Page and below right, the publishing citation.

Csoda Album presents many wonderful illustrations, including 12 full page colour images which first appeared in Andersen-Kalender

for 1911. In this production, those images are embellished with complex border designs. Csoda Album also includes superb illustrated

It is a lavish and unique presentation that is a fabulous example of early Jugendstil - the term used to describe the Art Nouveau

End Papers

First End Paper

Provenance: A German Collector

Code: LU CA 1

10 x 13" Reproduction: US$35

First End Paper

(Detail)

Provenance: A German Collector

Code: LU CA 2

10 x 13" Reproduction: US$35

Second End Paper

Provenance: A German Collector

Code: LU CA 3

10 x 13" Reproduction: US$35

Second End Paper

(Detail)

Provenance: A German Collector

Code: LU CA 4

10 x 13" Reproduction: US$35

Page 7

Monotone Illustration

Provenance: A German Collector

Code: LU CA 5

10 x 15" Reproduction: US$35

Send mail to ThePeople@SpiritoftheAges.com with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 2007 Spirit of the Ages Last modified: 06/29/08

Send mail to ThePeople@SpiritoftheAges.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2007 Spirit of the Ages
Last modified: 06/29/08