Alt Wien: Freihaus (Old Vienna:)

Max Pollak

Freihaus refers to the Freihaus auf der Weiden, described as "an exceptionally large residential complex" in Vienna's fourth district (wikipedia.de), which dominated the neighborhood from the 18th century until its demolition in 1937. At one point, Freihaus auf der Weiden featured the Freihaustheater, where Mozart's The Magic Flute premiered in 1791. In 1913 the Viennese government decided that the Freihaus got in the way of the city's modernization, as plans for streamlined avenues and streets began to take shape. However, destruction of the building was put on hold first due to World War I, then the Depression. Formal demolistion began in 1935, and was put on hold once again as the Second World War began. It was finally cleared in the 1960s, and where the apartment complex once stood there now exists the Technical University of Vienna, established in 1970.

This image, like several of Pollak's pre-war works, is a time capsule of a place that no longer exists. It now preserves the memory of a once-beloved neighborhood and its Naschmarkt, an outdoor market that featured culinary vendors. Vestiges of this time remain, with the newly revived Wien Naschmarkt and the neighborhood now called Freihausviertel.

A note on condition: this piece has been professionally restored, and shows traces of acidity on the verso, which does not come through. The price reflects the condition as well as its rarity. Contact the gallery for a full condition report.