Zwei Zigeunerinnen (Zigeunermutter mit Tochter). 1926/27.
Lithograph in colors with additional application of green.
Karsch 161II (of II). Verso mit dem Nachlassstempel und der Signatur von Erich Heckel. One of ca. 60 copies. On yellowish machine made laid paper. 70 x 50,2 cm (27,5 x 19,7 in), the full sheet.
Sheet 2 from the series "Zigeuner", published by Galerie Nierendorf, Berlin 1927.

PROVENANCE: Private collection Dr. Hille Rau, Stuttgart (acquired from estate in the late 1940s).

EXHIBITION: Otto Mueller. Gemälde - Aquarelle - Graphik. A11, ArtForum Thomas, Munich, 19 May - 31 July, 1988, no cat. no., illu. in catalog on p. 52.

The ’Zigeunermappe’ (Gypsi Portfolio), or as it is often just called "Zigeuner", was Otto Mueller’s last great graphic achievement. Having fallen severely ill, Mueller had had great hopes in the portfolio’s completion and its commercial success, however, these hopes did not fulfill. From a commercial perspective it was much more lucrative to sell single sheets, just as it continued after his death Only few complete portfolios have survived, and even lass have been on the market (see Ketterer auction 227, autumn 1998). Otto Mueller worked on this series with great passion. His liking for the world of gypsies is widely known, his works are proof thereof. "I am all focussed on these color lithographs, they will be beautiful. I’ve already made two, and it’s seven to go for the portfolio. The work offers me something new all the time. Once I’ll have some done, I’ll send you some trial proofs", wrote Otto Mueller to Maschka, his divorced first wife (transl. Of quote after: Günther Buchheim, Otto Mueller - Leben und Werk, Feldafing 1963, p. 184). [KD]