The dog days of summer may be over but this pooch is poised for year-round pizzazz. Our latest Vintage Edition, Greyhound comes from Austrian artist Moriz Jung (1885-1915). Originally a postcard, Greyhound was created by Jung in 1912 for the Wiener Werkstätte, a Viennese production association of artists, architects, designers, and artisans. A talented illustrator, Jung’s woodcut prints were bright and often jovial, characterized by thick lines and a graphic style. His subjects often included caricatures of cafe-goers, early aviation, and of course, dogs.
Jung’s Greyhound is striking with its heavy, stark lines set against a poppy—almost whimsical—turquoise botanical backdrop. Characteristic of the Wiener Werkstätte style, Jung blends the dynamism of Art Nouveau with the ornamental floral drama of Baroque decorative motifs. The result? A modern muscled hound so incongruous to that bouncy background, he seems ready to bolt right of the page. With those long, lanky legs and signature 
Jung began creating postcards for the Wiener Werkstätte while still a student in Vienna in 1907. Largely considered a pioneering movement for modern design, the organization emphasized complete artistic freedom while marrying traditional methods of manufacturing with a distinctly avant-garde aesthetic. With a vast roster of skilled craftsmen and a complex production and distribution network, the Wiener Werkstätte aimed for its many activities to complement and promote each other. Their postcards—the least expensive of their offerings—often featured architecture, textiles, and other designs of the organization to bolster their commercial visibility.
Postcards at the time were growing in popularity as collector's items meant to be shared, traded, and discussed. In fact, the early 20th century was hailed as the “golden age” of picture postcards. Cut to the present day and these pint-sized postables are making a comeback during the pandemic as fun, inexpensive ways to connect from afar. (Don’t miss our own Mail Minis!) As for greyhounds—these tall bois never go out of style. Greyhound is a certified crowd-pleaser. Snag one for a pop of color in the den, a friendly face for the kids’ room, or even a regal portrait for your dachshund’s living room. Long story short: this dogue is very much en vogue.
Team 20x200
