Bagatelle II. Pestwurz. 2002.
Woodcut in blue-gray.
Signed and numbered on the reverse. From an edition of 33 copies (in different colors). On Kumohadamashi washi by Heizaburo Iwano. 77 x 103 cm (30.3 x 40.5 in). Sheet: 107 x 129,5 cm (42,1 x 51 in).
Printed by Nik Hausmann, Franz Gertsch, Maria Gertsch & Druckercrew (Bendicht Gertsch, Albrecht Gertsch). Published by Franz Gertsch. Each print unique in terms of color. [CH].

• With large-scale woodcuts in a precise technique Gertsch developed, the artist has opened up new dimensions in the traditional medium.
• The artist achieves the singular colors of his woodcuts by utilizing the elaborate composition of the most precious color pigments.
• In 1999, Gertsch was represented at the Venice Biennale for the second time after 1978 (solo presentation).
• The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk honors the artist, who passed away in 2022, with a comprehensive retrospective until November 10.

We are grateful to the Gertsch family, Bern, for the kind supopor in cataloging this lot.

PROVENANCE: Galerie im Park, Burgdorf.
From a Southern German collection (acquired from the above in 2004).

LITERATURE: Andrea Firmenich, Johannes Janssen (eds.), Franz Gertsch. Holzschnitte. Aus der Natur gerissen, with a register of prints from 1972 to 2008 as a preliminary catalogue raisonné by Rainer Michael Mason, Cologne 2013, no. 28 B a (of B b) (with b/w illus., different copy).
Franz Gertsch, quoted from: ex. cat. Franz Gertsch. Holzsschnitte, Staatliche Kunsthalle, Baden-Baden 1994/95 (no page).