Hans Richter

ferrotyped, annotated '32' in ink in the margin, titled and dated in ink and pencil and with a collection stamp on the reverse, framed, 1927-28, possibly printed in the 1950s-60s

Sotheby's New York, 15 October 1992, Sale 6344, Lot 407

Leah Dickerman, Dada (Washington, D. C.: National Gallery of Art, 2006), p. 412

This ferrotyped print is in generally excellent condition. As is typical of the ferrotyping process, an unevenness of the generally glossy surface and pitting are visible in raking light. Upon close examination, a few extremely faint linear impressions and handling creases are also visible. The upper left margin corner is soiled. The reverse is titled in pencil faintly under the ink title. '32' is written in an unidentified hand in pencil and there is a red ink stamp that reads: 'Gallery Naruyama Administration Office Collection Tokyo.' There are two hinge remnants at the upper left and right corners and faint soiling on the reverse. When examined under raking light, this print appears to fluoresce.
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.

This photograph is a still from Vormittagsspuk, widely lauded as one of the most important Dadaist films of the twenties. Directed by Hans Richter and based on a screenplay by Werner Gräff, it combines stop-motion and live action to present irrational situations and unnerving imagery reflecting the artists’ political and social anxieties. The film was presented for the first time at the International Music Festival in Baden-Baden in 1928, accompanied by a musical score by Paul Hindemith that was eventually destroyed by Nazi officials.

Film stills such as this were used by Richter for publications and exhibitions.