Description:Mastering the synthesis between impressionism and expressionism, Corinth was an artist who chose not to identify with either of the two art movements and created his own unique style. This work illustrates his skill in portraiture at the height of his career, depicting a delicate rendering of a female nurse.
Created in 1914, this drypoint etching is from the edition of 20 on van Geldern paper, and is marked as 'Probdruck' (Trial Proof) in the lower left. Signed by the artist in pencil in the lower right, the work contains the collectors stamp 'Alfred Weingartner' in red with an elephant in the center of the bottom margin and was published by Fritz Gurlitt, Berlin. From a total edition of only 30 impressions, this work is in great condition with burr throughout the image.
Corinth, surely influenced by Rembrandt, made a series of portrait prints through his career. This relatively late portrait is a sensitive portrayal of a female nurse, it shows a mature, confident artist working at the height of his powers. The woman is seated, leaning her head on one hand with the other arm outstretched in front of her. The artist focuses our attention on the face of the nurse, with detailed lines in the eyes, nose, mouth and hair. As our eyes move down the figure, the details seem to gradually dissipate and leave us with a ghost-like impression of the woman's arm and waist. Corinth explored nearly every print technique, and drypoint and lithography were his favorites. He created his first etching in 1891 and his first lithograph in 1894. Like Picasso, Corinth was quite prolific and in the last fifteen years of his life, he produced more than 900 graphic works including 60 self-portraits.
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is fully documented and referenced in (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that I will enclose with the sale of the work) :
1) Schwarz, Karl. Das Graphische Werk von Lovis Corinth, 1985, listed as cat no 198 on pgs 122 and 364.
About the Framing:
Conservation framed with archival materials and museum quality, this work is set in a robust Spanish style black and gold frame. The tone of the moulding compliments the contrast in this work. Sculptural details of undulating ribbons accentuate the loose, linear quality of this piece. Completed with white linen wrapped mattes and a matching gold inner fillet, this work is set behind an archival Plexiglas cover.
