Hermann Max Pechstein - Karneval X - image-1

Lot 396 D

Hermann Max Pechstein - Karneval X

Auction 1043 - overview Cologne
28.11.2014, 18:00 - Modern Art
Estimate: 8.000 € - 12.000 €
Result: 9.300 € (incl. premium)

Hermann Max Pechstein

Karneval X
1910

Lithograph on smooth, thin chamois coloured paper 28 x 38 cm (41.1 x 54 cm) Framed under glass. Signed and dated 'Pechstein 1910' lower right and titled 'Karneval X' lower left. Sheet 10 of the eponymous series of 10 lithographs. Handprinted by Pechstein, one of only few proofs of his own edition. Remaining proofs were transferred to Fritz Gurlitt according to cat. rais. - Extremly rare. - Slightly browned in the former mat opening and with several slight light-stains. Several localised fox marks to the right margin.

Stage and dance played a well-known, extremely important role as motifs in the art of the turn of the century and in German Expressionism. Pechstein, as well, was inspired by the ballet pantomime "Carneval", which the Russian Ballet performed in Berlin's "Theater des Westens" in October 1910. In that year he created not only the series titled "Tanz", but also the loosely composed cycle of ten lithographs "Karneval", to which he also added a designed title page. Of these rare lithographs (only nine sheets from "Karneval" are photographically documented in the cat. rais.) seven are offered here. All lithographs are hand-impressions by Max Pechstein and proofs of his own edition in very few copies. They are extremely rare today. According to Krüger, leftover impressions were later transferred to Pechstein's gallerist and publisher, Fritz Gurlitt.
The lithographs for "Carneval" demonstrate Pechstein's early mastery in his exploration and handling of graphic media. Reduced entirely to the contrast of black and white, they exhibit great fluidity and freedom in the painterly recording of the individual scenes, as well as a highly expressive reduction of detailed description. The actions of the main characters of Pierrot, Harlequin and Columbine are nicely followed throughout their dynamic entrances and exits. The figurines are also unmistakably presented in terms of their differing characters: Pierrot's lovesick simplicity is confronted with the dextrous light-heartedness of Harlequin and Columbine. Pechstein's indications regarding the space of the stage are sparing and varied in each lithograph in particular fashion.

Catalogue Raisonné

Krüger L 124

Provenance

Former collection Joachim (Jim) Mersmann, Wiesbaden, since then in family possession (third generation)

Literature

Waltraut Neuerburg, Der graphische Zyklus im deutschen Expressionismus und seine Typen 1905 bis 1925, Bonn 1976 (Diss.), p. 81 f.

Exhibitions

Berlin Jan. 1912 (Gutenberg-Kunsthandlung), Graphische Arbeiten von Max Pechstein, cf. cat. no. 17, 18