Michel Fingesten

Ex Libris - Sammelt und Briefmarken - Etching by Michel Fingesten - 1930s

1930s

Ex Libris - Malz- is a colored woodcut print created by Michel Fingesten, in 1936. Hand Signed on the lower right margin. Good conditions. Michel Fingesten (1884 - 1943) was a...

Ex Libris - H. Malz is a colored Woodcut print created by Michel Fingesten. Hand Signed on the lower right margin. The artwork is glued on cardboard. Total dimensions: 29 x 22.5...

Ex Libris - Marco Binnholz is a woodcut print created by Michel Fingesten. Hand Signed on the lower right margin. Good conditions. Michel Fingesten (1884 - 1943) was a Czech pa...

Ex Libris - Ex Libris - Good Luck is an original etching artwork realized by Michel Fingesten in the 1930s Good conditions. Original titled printed on plate: VIEL GLÜCK WÜNSCH S.M...

Ex Libris A. Zuyeva Paper, etching, 11x7 cm

Karl Michel, 'Ex Libris Dr. Witropp - Homunculus und Galatee', etching, 1923, edition not stated. Signed, dated, and numbered 'Op. 140' (the artist's inventory number) in pencil. Si...

Ex libris Olav Tähe Paper, woodcut, 11x7cm

"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...