Lot 602 D

Will Grohmann (1887-1968) is one of the most important and influential art critics, writers and exhibition curators who shaped the development of modern and contemporary art in Germany and Europe from the first World War until the end of the 1960s. His journalistic oeuvre includes countless reviews and articles in international art journals, newspapers and reference work as well as various artist monographs, which have gone down in art history as standard works. For Grohmann, it went beyond the classification and description of the contemporary art scene to a pedagogical mediation and demonstration for a broad audience. Particularly noteworthy is the curiosity and the friendly solidarity he brought to the artists and their work. His personal network helped him in the focused promotion of promising young artists such as Hans Hartung or Fritz Winter, as well as the realisation of exhibition projects, advising collectors and acting as an intermediary for purchases. Alongside this, Grohmann assembled his own high-quality collection. As co-organiser of documenta I, II and III and the Biennale in Venice and Paris, he dedicated himself to the development of contemporary art in post-war Europe. Through the Will Grohmann Prize, donated by him and awarded annually since 1967 by the Akademie der Künste in Berlin to a talented young artist, his commitment continues to this day.
Renate Glück (1923-2018), born Zilz, was a passionate Dresden art collector. Her primary interest lay in regional artists such as Hermann Glöckner and Carlfriedrich Claus. Her sister Annemarie (1921-1970) was the long-term assistant and second wife of Will Grohmann. Annemarie Grohmann outlived her husband by only two years, and the Grohmann Art Collection was inherited by Renate Glück.
It is a special pleasure for us to be able to offer the last part of the estate of these two extraordinary personalities in this year's autumn season. In the Contemporary Art segment, three exceptional works by Hans Hartung and an engraving by Josef Albers from the Grohmann Collection as well as a drawing by Carlfriedrich Claus from the property of Renate Glück are presented for auction.