Charcoal on paper
Berlin, Germany, around 1910
Heinrich Zille (1858-1929) – German graphic artist and illustrator
Red estate stamp (Lugt L.2676b) on the reverse ‘Heinrich Zille’
With a further study on the reverse
With a certificate of authenticity by Galerie Rudolf, Sylt, dated 05/11/1996
Sheet size: 16.5 x 13.5 cm
Good condition
Heinrich Zille’s ‘Milljöh’ studies are highly sought after collectible items; comparable works fetch up to €3.600 at international auctions

The present work is a typical charcoal drawing by Heinrich Zille and reveals a sketchy snapshot of a bar crowded with guests. The scene has been captured with only a few strokes and seems to have resulted from one of the artist’s extensive tours through the Berlin ‘Milljöh’.



The drawing is fitted on the reverse with the red estate stamp ‘Heinrich Zille’. The work is matted and in good condition considering its age; the paper is only slightly discolored and shows minimal foxing. The size of the sheet is 16.5 x 13.5 cm and the framed overall dimensions are 33 x 28.5 cm.



Heinrich Zille (1858-1929)

Heinrich Zille came from an impoverished family, often plagued by creditors, and the young Heinrich was forced to earn money with small errands at an early age. He also earned the money for his first drawing lessons himself and served his apprenticeship under a lithographer after leaving school; at the same time he studied under Professor Theodor Hosemann, who advised him to go to the streets, to observe and to draw. After completing his studies, Zille was employed by different graphic firms before working for the Photographische Gesellschaft Berlin (Photographic Association Berlin) from 1877 onwards for thirty consecutive years. After his discharge from the military, he began to work as a freelance painter while still working for the Photographische Gesellschaft and developing his own characteristic style: his works are characterized by scenes from the Berlin ‘Milljöh’, from the backstreets and the world of the proletarian underclass, to which he often added typical Berlin witticisms. In 1903 Zille became a member of the Berlin Secession. He was a close friend of Max Liebermann and became more and more known and popular, which resulted in his appointment as professor at the Prussian Academy of the Arts in 1924. After his death in 1929, Zille was buried in an Ehrengrab (grave of honour). A museum in Berlin is dedicated to the exceptional artist, whereas countless streets and schools are named after him. The art museum of Mühlheim/Ruhr owns the largest collection of Zille drawings beyond Berlin. (cbo)

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.

Auctionata charges the resale rights tax pursuant to Section 26 of the German Copyright Act (UrhG) towards the buyer in case of the sale of an original work of art or photography prior to 70 years having lapsed since the death of their creator. Therefore, Auctionata charges when purchasing a good – if a protection as an original work of art or photography is given – starting from a hammer price of EUR 400 an additional amount, which is calculated according to Section 26 (2) German Copyright Act (UrhG) and which does not exceed the amount of EUR 12,500. You can find more information about resale rights tax in Auctionata´s table of fees and T&C.