Zigeuner-Liebespaar 2. 1921/22.
Lithograph.
Karsch 142 b (of b). Signed and numbered. One of 30 Roman numbered copies. On brownish wove paper. 39 x 28.6 cm (15.3 x 11.2 in). Sheet: 56 x 44,1 cm (22 x 17,3 in).
Sheet 4 from the portfolio "Zehn Holzschnitte", Graphisches Kabinett J. B. Neumann, Berlin 1922.

PROVENANCE: Galerie Nierendorf, Cologne (later Berlin, verso with gallery label).
Galerie Dr. Gunzenhauser, Munich.
Private collection Hesse.

The so-called gypsy portfolio with nine color lithographs is regarded a highlight of Otto Mueller's graphic creation. This sheet "Zigeuner-Liebespaar 2“ can be seen as a direct precursor of the color versions with this subject. Still kept in different shades of grey, the characteristic graphic element is already suggested in this work. Contrary to the works of other "Brücke" artists from these days, Otto Mueller's forms and lines are very soft and underline the loving affection of the depicted couple, which the artist placed in an idyllic fantasy world. The absence of colors emphasizes Mueller's graphic duct and is what makes this sheet so unique in terms of quality. [ST]