Otto Dix

The rare portfolio, comprising five (of the six) woodcuts, 1919, each signed in pencil and numbered 2/5, on soft handmade paper, with title, text by the artist and justification on laid paper, the justification numbered 4 in ink, with the original woodcut printed dark-red paper portfolio cover (K. 345), also signed in pencil, five paper mounts (presumably original), published by Rudolf Kaemmerer, Dresden, contained in a later cloth-covered portfolio box  

Each sheet with wide margins, presumably full, and in good condition. 'Der Morgen' (K. 341) has very pale damp stain at the lower right sheet corner (well away from the printed image), and two areas of pale discoloration (rust flecks?) in the upper margin. 'Ich Dix bin das A und das O' (K. 343) has a thin, pale line of discoloration along the left sheet edge. The cover 'Werden' (K. 345) with surface soiling, damp stain at lower right corner, occasional further minor stains and two tiny paper accretions (one in the image at centre). The title, text and justification each with occasional soft handling creases, the title also with three faint red stains in lower right.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The rarity of this portfolio is underscored by the questions surrounding its intended presentation. In his 1970 catalogue raisonné, Karsch writes that no complete copy of the Werden portfolio is known, therefore he is uncertain whether a definitive version exists. Furthermore, he cites one unnumbered woodcut, Werden (K. 345), printed on dark red paper, like the present impression, but without a back cover. He describes this subject as the 'title-page', but notes that he is uncertain whether it was intended for the portfolio cover or as a single plate.  In the current copy, the signed woodcut is presented as the portfolio cover.  Since the publication of the catalogue raisonné, the author has encountered only one complete set.  This set included the woodcut Ich (Maske) (K. 342) that is lacking in the current example.  The woodcuts were all numbered 3/5 with the exception of Ich (Maske), which was unnumbered.  This set also included the woodcut Werden (K. 345) as the portfolio cover, but printed on thin, yellowish Velin.

We are grateful to Mr. Florian Karsch and Galerie Nierendorf for their assistance in cataloguing this lot.