The end of the 1900's Viennese colour woodcut was distinguished by it's superlative quality, planar rendering of motifs, emphasis on outlines , Japonism stylisation and interplay of contrasting hues based on Art Nouveau. Decorative depictions of subjects such as elegant ladies, exotic animals or snow-covered landscapes were immensely popular at the time. These woodcuts were to ostentatiously celebrate leisure and the intellectual world of beauty. 

 

The colour woodcuts of 1909 showing animals represent a highlight in the works of Ludwig Heinrich Jungnickel as he captured animals in their characteristic qualities while rendering them abstract by his use of a neutral white background. His compositions are decoratively stylised, with the canvasses stretched over a Secessionist square frame. His use of close up perspectives and clear contrasts really give the animals a sense of presence. His secessionist wallpaper shown below as a frieze collaboration with Gustab Klimt in 1908 for the Palais Stoclet, Shows the silhouettes of the most varied animals popping out between stylised plant motifs done on a black background showing great decoratively.