Liebesgarten. 1912.
Woodcut.
Signed. One of 7 known copies. On Blotting paper (with embossing stamp "JOHANNOT et Cie. ANNONAY"). 25.4 x 25.2 cm (10 x 9.9 in). Sheet: 57,5 x 41,5 cm (22,44 x 16,14 in).
Made as introductory sheet for a planned but unrealized publication of Petrarca's "Triumphs". [MH].

• Nude couples play a particularly important role in Kirchner's entire oeuvre.
• Casual outdoor nudity was an important source of inspiration for the Brücke artists and is characteristic of their expressionist work.
• Very rare: one of only seven known copies.

PROVENANCE: Galerie Rieder, Munich.
Private collection Hesse (since 1988, acquired from the above).

LITERATURE: Günther Gercken, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. Kritisches Werkverzeichnis der Druckgraphik, vol. 3. (1912-1916), Bern 2015, cat. rais. no. 592 (illustrated of a different copy).
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Karl & Faber, Munich, 159th auction, June 29/30, 1982, lot 1414 (illu.).
Hauswedell & Nolte, Hamburg, 259th auction, June 6 - 8, 1985, lot 811 (illu.).

Good overall impression. The sheet is unevenly browned and slightly stained. With crease marks at the bottom and right margin of the sheet and tears, partially stabilized on the reverse. The upper left corner has been professionally restored. There are also a few tiny spots of foxing in the white margins. The image is in good condition.