Watercolour and preparatory drawing in black chalk on watercolour paper with watermark "P M" 59.2 x 74.5/75 cm, framed under glass. Signed and dated 'HM Pechstein [joined] 1935' lower right. - Good condition, colours fresh.
During the years of National Socialism, Pechstein, although already an artist of great renown, was forced into dire financial straits. In May of 1935, he moved for six months to Leba, in what is now Middle Pomerania, where he had spent his summers since 1921. Here, he painted mostly landscapes, which he later repeated from time to time with motivic variations. Pechstein's artistic output decreased markedly after 1935 as a result of the political and economic situation. He no longer produced paintings on canvas, but he did do a few watercolours, such as this one here. In terms of form, Pechstein has kept close to reality. The palette of yellow, grey, and blue-green tones determines the character of this atmospheric scene. Pechstein has clearly focused on depicting the light effects in the forest. The black contours, together with the branches, reaching about wildly, and the undulating path, leading to the depth of the picture, build up an inner tension in the picture. In spite of the realistic representation and the reserved use of colour, the painting conveys a highly expressive image.
Provenance
Dr. Horst Ganske, given directly by the artist; Lempertz, auction 649, Cologne, 25 May 1990, lot 386; private possession, North Rhine-Westphalia