Architecture and Truth in Fin-de-Siècle Vienna

Leslie Topp investigates how “truth” in Viennese architecture at the turn of the twentieth century could be interpreted in a variety of ways, including “truth” to purpose, symbolist or ideal “truth”, and ethical notions of authenticity. Drawing on newly uncovered archival materials, Topp offers a new interpretation of familiar buildings, demonstrating how they encompass utopianism, hyper-rationality, and subjectivism. She also explores the relationship between Viennese modern architecture and contemporary painting, psychiatry, fashion, labor issues, and anti-Semitic politics.