Eugene Hamm

Cover for Vorstadt-Brodel - Lithograph - 1922

1922

Cover for Vorstadt-Brodel is an original lithograph, realized by Eugen Hamm, a german artist, in 1922. In good conditions. This artwork represents a woma...

Original title: "Springende Mädchen". Beautiful brown burnt sienna colored lithograph, wide margins, on China paper. "Ludwig von Hofmann, Springende Madchen" printed in green ink in...

Marcus Behmer (German, 1879 – 1958) Die Geravbte orchidee (The robbed orchid), 1903 Signed ‘Marcus Behmer’ (lower right in pencil) Lithograph on paper 16.1/8 x 12in. (40.8 x 30.5cm.) It is apparent Behmer is influenced by the work of Aubrey Beardsley, though this work is no less beautiful in its execution. Little is known regarding his connections to Oscar Wilde though he is obviously an admirer and has many similarities with his private life and incarceration in prison. These works were a personal gift to Baron Detlev von Hadeln, the aristocrat and prominent art historian of the age. Behmer is known to be, since 1903, a member in the first ever homosexual organization in Berlin and was thus probably a part of Adolf Brand’s circle, and may have contributed to Brand’s publication Der Eigene. Until now, few know that Behmer was sentenced in April 1937 by a court in Konstanz to imprisonment for two years, being arrested in Freiburg and at other locations in southern Germany for being a homosexual. At times he was given the opportunity to work as an artist in prison. The works produced in this period are mostly calligraphic designed tablets with Greek text (prayers and Bible quotes...

"Eva und die Schlange" (Eve and the Snake) by Nathan Altman is anintriguing lithograph from the "Jüdische Graphik" series produced in 1923. This artwork features a compelling and symbolically rich depiction of Eve entwined with the snake, set against the same burnished gold background that characterizes other prints from this series. The use of black and white lithography enhances the dramatic interplay between the figures, highlighting themes of temptation and knowledge that are central to the Biblical story of Eve. In this print, Altman's avant-garde sensibilities are evident in the stylization of the figures and the expressive, almost abstract forms of the snake and foliage. The inclusion of Hebrew text further anchors the piece within its Jewish cultural context, possibly adding layers of interpretation related to wisdom, sin, and redemption. As with the other prints from this series, the limited edition of only 250 copies increases its rarity and value. Altman's work not only captures significant biblical narratives but also reflects the broader themes of cultural identity and modernist experimentation in the early 20th century. This print serves as a fascinating example of how traditional stories are reinterpreted through modernist artistic lenses, making it a valuable piece for collectors and admirers of Jewish and avant-garde art. Altmann’s choice of a burnished gold background not only enriches the visual impact but also elevates the symbolic elements, giving the artwork a solemn and revered quality. This specific piece, like others from the series, was produced in Berlin by the publisher "Petropolis," reflecting the vibrant Jewish artistic community that existed in pre-war Europe. Altmann’s work, especially given his background as a Jewish artist in Soviet Russia, often navigated between his cultural identity and the broader avant-garde movements, making each of his pieces historically and artistically significant. This print, considering its rarity and the mystery surrounding the number of surviving copies, is an exceptional representation of Jewish cultural history intertwined with early 20th-century art movements. Nathan Altman was an influential figure in the Russian and Soviet avant-garde movement. Born in 1889 in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, he studied at the Odessa Art School, later moving to Paris to further his education at the Academie de la Grande Chaumiere. Altman's style evolved over the years, showing strong influences from Cubism and Futurism, which are evident in his approach to stage design and book illustration as well. Altman's contributions extend beyond visual arts; he was also notable for his set designs for Jewish theaters...