Lot 21
  • 21

Max Beckmann

Estimate
3,500 - 4,500 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Max Beckmann
  • Bildnis Frau Swarzenski (Hofmaier 310.I)
  • Woodcut
  • image: 225 by 155 mm 8 7/8 by 6 1/8 in
  • sheet: 333 by 257 mm 13 1/8 by 10 1/8 in
Woodcut, 1925, Hofmaier's first of three states, signed in pencil, inscribed 'Probedruck Frau m[it]. Fächer', dedicated 'To Perry on his 70th Birthday with love from Quappi' in ball-point pen, dated '30', one of two impressions of the first state, on laid paper with the Original Hand Linen / P &H watermark, framed

Provenance

Ex coll. Mrs. Mathilde "Quappi" Beckmann
Gift to Perry Rathbone circa 1981 in honor of his 70th birthday
Thence by decent to the current owner

Condition

The print is in good condition, with wide (full?) margins and the deckle on two edges. Pale mat-stain and unobtrusive surface soiling in the margins. Faint time-stain at the extreme right sheet edge. The verso, with minor surface soiling. (An occasional soft handling crease.)
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

This is a wonderfully sentimental keepsake encapsulating the collaboration between Max Beckmann, Perry Rathbone and the Swarzenski family.  As Director of the St. Louis Museum of Art, Perry Rathbone is largely credited with introducing Max Beckmann to the American audience.  The birthday wish, inscribed by the artist's wife and signed with the diminutive, testifies to the intimacy of Beckmann's relationship with Mr. Rathbone and his impact on the artist's legacy. 

The subject, Mrs. Marie Swarzenski, demonstrates the personal tie between Mr. Rathbone and the Swarzenski family.  Hanns Swarzenski, the sitter's son, and Mr. Rathbone served contemporaneously as Curator of Decorative Arts & Sculpture and Director of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.