Karl Michel

'Viel Gluck 1923' (Good Luck Wishes) — German Expressionism

1922

Karl Michel, 'Viel Gluck 1923 Wunscht Karl Michel', etching, 1923, edition not stated but small. Signed, dated, and numbered 'op. 136' in pencil. Signed in the image, lower right. A...

Karl Michel, 'Austellung Karl Michel', woodcut, 1924, edition 20. Signed, dated, numbered 'op. 173' (the artist's inventory number) and '7/20' (the impression number/edition size) and annotated 'Vorgesdruck' (artist's proof) in pencil. A fine, richly-inked impression on hand-made cream, wove paper, with full margins (1 1/16 to 1 1/2 inches); toning to the right sheet edge deckle, otherwise in good condition. With the artist's blind stamp in the bottom center margin. Designed and printed by the artist. Very scarce. Matted to museum standards (unframed). An elegantly designed, dynamic exhibition announcement with the German copy in the block: 'Austellung Karl Michel – Deutsches Buchmuseum Leipzig/Zeitzer str 12, Berlin S.W. 61 Teltower str 33 / Buchschmuck/ Plakate/ Anzeige/ Schultzmarke/ Illustrations/ Ex Libris'. English translation: 'Karl Michel Exhibition – German Book Museum, Leipzig Zeitzer Street 12, Berlin, S.W. 61 Teltower St. 33. / Book Decoration / Posters / Announcements / Illustrations / Ex Libris.' Image size 6 x 4 inches (152 x 102 mm); sheet size 8 1/16 x 5 1/2 inches (205 x 140 mm). ABOUT THE ARTIST Karl Michel (1889-1984) was a noted graphic designer and expressionist printmaker during Germany's pre-Nazi Weimar Republic (1919-1933). Michel’s work was the subject of a feature article in the influential German graphic design magazine 'Das Plakat' (The Poster) in 1920. An anti-war advocate, Michel created a suite of 12 wood engravings depicting his impressions of the humanitarian toll of WWII entitled ‘Humanitas’ (Humanity). The German publishing house Greifenverlag published the series in a folio of unsigned prints. Michel’s graphic work is held in the permanent collections of the Auckland War Memorial Museum (New Zealand), Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum & Exlibrissamling (Denmark), Museum of Applied Arts (Budapest), The Robert Gore Rifkind Center for German Expressionist Studies at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the German Expressionism...

FruhlingsErwachen is an original modern rare book written by Benjamin Franklin Wedekind (1864 – 1918) and illustrated by Willi Geiger (Landshut, 1878 ...

"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...