Premium Jeschke Jádi Auctions Berlin
292
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Classical Modernism Pechstein, Hermann Max
Boxer.
See original version (German)
292
-
Classical Modernism Pechstein, Hermann Max
Boxer.
See original version (German)
Estimate €1,500 - €2,000
Voluntary lot
Description
Classical Modernism
Pechstein, Hermann Max
Boxer. 1923. Drypoint on JW Zanders vellum (with watermark). 17.8 x 24.3 cm (28 x 39.2 cm). Signed, dated and inscribed ‘Probedruck’. Mounted in places on backing. – Slightly yellowed at the edges, upper left-hand corner with a faint ink mark caused by the printing process, a barely visible, smoothed crease on the left-hand margin; overall in very good condition. A magnificent print, with wonderfully rough edges in places, featuring experimental etching left on the plate in some areas and a deeply embossed plate edge, with a wide margin, including the artist’s margin on two sides.
Krüger R. – Proof prior to the print run. – Very rare. – As early as 1910, whilst a member of ‘Die Brücke’, Pechstein was already exploring the motif of the boxing match and capturing it in the medium of drawing. A few years later, he translated it into the medium of printmaking, which afforded him the opportunity for a more experimental form of expression. Using powerful, densely set lines of hatching, Pechstein captures the multi-figure scene, outlining the figures in sharp contrast. Extremely modern for his time and displaying the utmost imagination, he sketches the foreground, middle ground and background solely through clusters of hatching arranged in layers, thereby creating a sense of space. Among the figures, the head of the boxer on the left – depicted from behind – is particularly striking, displaying animal-like features. Resemblances to a predator such as a fox are discernible; the boxer can be imagined as a cunning sportsman. This drawing was created during a period of personal upheaval, successes and defeats for Pechstein, which resembled a boxing match: in 1922/23, he separated from his wife Lotte and married Marta Möller as his second wife; the Prussian Academy of Arts elected him as a member; he was awarded a nominal professorship; he broke off his relationship with his art dealer Wolfgang Gurlitt; and he lost his financial security.
Drypoint on JW Zanders wove paper (with watermark). Signed, dated and inscribed. Spot-mounted to an underlying mat. – Barely visible yellowing at the edges; faint colour trace in the upper left corner, due to the technique; barely visible, smoothed crease mark in the left margin; all in all, very good condition. Splendid, mostly wonderfully burr-like impression with experimental etched plate tone in places and a deeply impressed plate mark, with wide margins and deckle edges on two sides. - Proof print prior to the edition. - Very rare. - As early as 1910, whilst a member of ‘Brücke’, Pechstein explored the motif of the boxing match and captured it in drawings. A few years later, he translated it into the medium of printmaking, which afforded him the opportunity for a more experimental form of expression. Using powerful, densely applied hatching, Pechstein captures the multi-figured scene, outlining the figures with sharp contrasts. In a style that was extremely modern for his time and demonstrates the utmost imagination, he sketches the foreground, middle ground and background solely through clusters of hatching arranged in layers, thereby creating a sense of space. Among the figures, the head of the boxer depicted from behind on the left is particularly striking, displaying animal-like features. Resemblances to a predator such as a fox are discernible, suggesting the boxer is a cunning athlete. This drawing was created during a period of personal upheaval, successes and setbacks in Pechstein’s life that resembled a boxing match: in 1922–23, he separated from his wife Lotte and married Marta Möller in his second marriage; the Prussian Academy of Arts elected him a member; he was awarded a nominal professorship; he severed ties with his art dealer Wolfgang Gurlitt; and he lost his financial security.
*This lot is subject to standard tax. A 24.95% buyer’s premium is payable on the hammer price, and 7% (Books and Art) or 19% VAT (Manuscripts, Screenprints, Offset Prints, Photographs) is payable on the final invoice amount within the European Union. This work is subject to the standard margin scheme. A 24.95% buyer’s premium is charged on the hammer price, and 7% (books and art) or 19% VAT (manuscripts, screen prints, offset prints and photographs) is charged on the final invoice amount within the European Union.
See original version (German)
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