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Heinrich Lefler (1863 - 1919)
Original lithographic poster printed in colors, printed by S. Czeiger, Vienna, Austria circa 1895. Condition: Very Good (B) repaired tears and folds, overpainting which extends into image area; fresh colors, backed on linen and framed.
Sheet size: 36.5 H. X 47.5 W. Frame size: 47 H. X 58 W.
From 1880 to 1884, Heinrich Lefler studied at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna under Christian Griepenkerl and, from 1884, at the Academy of Fine Arts Munich under Nikolaus Gysis and Wilhelm von Diez. From 1900 to 1903, he was an assistant to Anton Brioschi, the head designer at the Vienna State Opera, following which he became a professor at the Academy until 1910. While at the Vienna Opera, he designed a set for the Metropolitan Opera and shipped the pieces to New York.

Besides the time spent in his formal occupations, he spent a great deal of time in Wei�enbach an der Triesting with his father and his brother-in-law, Joseph Urban, a fellow scenic designer, where they painted murals on villas and hotels, designed invitation cards for summer festivals and, with librettist Camillo Walzel, staged theatrical productions for children.

Lefler also designed banknotes, financial warrants and promotional posters for several companies, including Auerlicht and Krupp. Many of Lefler's costumes and stage designs have been preserved in the Max Reinhardt Collection at Harvard.

In 1903, he married opera singer Mina Wiesm�ller, who modeled the portrait that appears in his design for the 1000 Kronen banknote.

In 1932, a street in Donaustadt, Austria, was renamed the "Heinrich-Lefler-Gasse" in his honor.
Reference: Weill pg 178var, Denscher pg 128var, Seccession pg 42-3var; Polish text variant
Inventory #11060

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