An Introduction to Collecting, Selling, and Buying Austrian Masterworks
We have received top dollar for Austrian Masterworks. Auction is the best way to quickly and transparently get maximum dollar for your artwork.
A Legacy of Austrian Craftsmanship
Among the most celebrated names in European glassmaking, J. & L. Lobmeyr and Johann Loetz Witwe represent the pinnacle of Austrian artistry, innovation, and design excellence.
Founded in Vienna in 1823, Lobmeyr became synonymous with refinement through royal commissions and collaborations with leading figures of modern design.
The firm worked closely with designers such as Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstätte, producing glassware and lighting that embodied the elegance and intellectual rigor of early 20th-century aesthetics. Lobmeyr chandeliers, stemware, and architectural glass adorned European palaces, opera houses, and grand residences—and remain highly sought after by collectors, designers, and institutions today.
Johann Loetz Witwe and the Art of Iridescence
Johann Loetz Witwe is best known for its revolutionary use of iridescent glass, a defining hallmark of the Art Nouveau movement. Developed in the late 19th century, Loetz’s innovative techniques produced shimmering surfaces that shift dramatically in color and light. The colors range from deep violets and emerald greens to luminous golds and electric blues.
Loetz’s signature Phänomen (or Phenomenon) finishes are characterized by radiant, metallic luster and fluid surface effects. These finishes were achieved by applying metallic oxides, such as iron, tin, lead, or copper, to molten or partially cooled glass. This was then followed by careful reheating to fuse the materials into the surface. Each firing introduced subtle variations, ensuring that no two Loetz pieces are exactly alike–a key factor in their enduring desirability and collectibility.
Collecting and Selling Lobmeyr & Loetz Glass
Due to their exceptional craftsmanship and limited production, both Lobmeyr and Loetz art glass are cornerstones of fine decorative arts auctions. Market demand remains strong among collectors of Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and early modern design, as well as interior designers seeking statement pieces with historical significance.
Exceptional examples—particularly those with rare colorways, distinctive forms, or well-documented provenance—frequently achieve strong results at auction. Lobmeyr chandeliers, in particular, are prized for their architectural presence and technical precision, while Loetz vases and decorative objects are celebrated for their surface complexity and sculptural forms.
How to Identify Johann Loetz Witwe Glass
Loetz glass is best known for its iridescent “Phenomenon” finish, a metallic sheen that shifts in color depending on light, often in shades of gold, violet, blue, or green.
The forms are typically organic and fluid, with wavy edges, fluted rims, and asymmetrical silhouettes, while colors may be layered or streaked for a natural, dynamic effect. Decorative techniques like applied handles, pulled trails, wheel-cut, or etched patterns are common. Most pieces are unsigned, making provenance and prior documentation important; however, if your piece is signed, it will typically be inscribed “Loetz W.w.e”. The work will have a slight asymmetry and pontil marks that indicate it is hand-blown — a key trait in determining if the piece is in fact by Loetz.
Austrian Art Glass at Auction
At Revere Auctions, we specialize in art glass evaluations, estate handling, and international decorative arts auctions. Our team brings deep expertise in cataloguing and marketing Austrian and Bohemian glass to a global audience of collectors, institutions, and museums.
Whether you are exploring the value of a Loetz vase, considering consigning a Lobmeyr chandelier, or seeking professional insight into a broader collection, our specialists provide expert guidance grounded in current market data.
Ready to Appraise or Consign Your Loetz or Lobmeyr Glass?
Revere Auctions is currently accepting art glass consignments for upcoming sales featuring notable European makers, including J. & L. Lobmeyr, Johann Loetz Witwe, Quezal, Lalique, Galle, and Daum Nancy.
Contact us today for a complimentary auction estimate