Weiblicher Kopf (Parisienne). 1923.
Coloured Woodcut.
Signed, dated, titled and inscribed "Handdruck col.". The lower margin with a dedication by the artist. On laid paper by Van Gelder Zonen (with watermark). 29,7 : 19,7 cm (11,6 : 7,7 in). Sheet: 44,5 x 32,3 cm (17,5 x 12,8 in). From 1894 Walter Helbig studied at the Dresden Art Academy with Carl Bantzer and Otto Gussmann. As Max Pechstein’s teacher, Otto Gussmann made an important contribution to German Expressionism in its fledgling years. In those days Helbig had links with the artists known as “Die Brücke”, notably Otto Mueller. In 1909 Helbig was in Berlin, where he became a member of the “New Secession”, which was founded by Pechstein. In later years Walter Helbig commuted between Switzerland - where he was a co-founder of the “Moderner Bund” with Hans Arp and Oscar Luthy - and Berlin. There, too, Helbig was at the centre of the avant-garde of his day and had a share in founding the “November Group”. From 1916 Helbig lived in Zurich, where he experienced the beginnings of the Dada movement and played a shaping role in it. [HL]

PROVENIENZ: Private collection North Germany (gift from the artist).

The person depicted is presumably the artist's wife
All in all slightly discoloured and with minor marginal blemishes. The left margin with a tear, backed with tape (outside the image).