Josef Schaffer – Neubad in Marienbad: Photographic Architectural Album, Inscribed by the Architect (1896)

Josef Schaffer – Neubad in Marienbad [New Spa in Mariánské Lázně]. Marienbad–Prag: Atelier Langhans, 1896. 17.5 × 12 cm. Leporello. Original red pictorial cloth album with gilt title and floral decoration. 15 mounted photographic plates (one detached from leporello mount) by Atelier Langhans, showing exterior and interior views of the newly completed Neubad (Nové Lázně) in Marienbad, including the monumental façade, corridors, bathing rooms and other interiors. Each photograph with the printed credit “Atelier Langhans. Nachdruck verboten. Marienbad–Prag.”An exceptional presentation copy inscribed by the building’s architect Josef Schaffer on the front pastedown: “In tiefster Ehrfurcht und Dankbarkeit! dargebracht vom Architekten: Josef Schaffer. Marienbad, Weihnachten 1896.” [“With deepest reverence and gratitude! Presented by the architect Josef Schaffer. Marienbad, Christmas 1896.”] Schaffer’s monumental Neo-Renaissance Neubad was constructed in 1893–1896 and formally opened on 1 June 1896. Contemporary architectural literature specifically credits Schaffer with the designs and plans and records the building as having been executed under his direction. The present album was therefore inscribed by Schaffer at Christmas in the year the building opened, making it a particularly significant contemporary presentation document of one of his principal works.