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| Vienna (Wien) was once
capital of the vast Hapsbourg Empire. World War I put an end to that bit of divine right nonsense, but there's still a lot of nostalgia for that period, as evidenced by ubiquitous illustrations of former emperors with outlandish facial hair in full military regalia. Wien was--and perhaps still is--a great seat of learning. Freud was here, and also inventors of things which one doesn't typically think of as having been invented, such as the ship's propeller, developed by Herr Ressel who now has a park in his name near the Center. One of the things which first struck me was how many depictions of people there were on street signs. I started a collection and was pleasantly surprised to learn from one of my hosts (ahoy Rotraut!) that this too was an invention credited to a specific Wiener (as people and sausages from this city are called): Otto Neurath (noy-rat). Most of the intent behind them is obvious, but others leave room for interpretation. I wonder if when no one is looking these well-rounded people climb down from their signs and hold meetings, perhaps even parties and dancing in the street? Maybe I'm just projecting, but what are these signs if not mirrors of the population they are made to lead? |
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