Bildnis E. G. 1920.
Drypoint with plate tone and India ink, with wash.
Dube R 146 I (of II). Ebner/Gabelmann 768 R I (of II). Signed and inscribed "Probe". Only known trial proof from the first state that the artist worked over in India ink, only two copies are known, still without the strong hatchures of dress, picture frame and neck. On slightly structured wove paper. 30.2 x 27.1 cm (11.8 x 10.6 in). Sheet: 55,7 x 42 cm (22 x 16,6 in).
The work shows Elsa Geissler, neé Heckel (1879-1955), the artist's sister. The painting of his brother Manfred Heckel (Hünecke 1920-3) can be seen in the background. [JS].
• Of unique character: Only known copy worked over in India ink.
• One of only two known trial proofs from the first state.
• Still without the strong hatchures of dress, picture frame and neck that Heckel only added for the edition.
• Paert of many museum exhibitions.
• Edition copies (2nd state) are at, among others, the Museum Folkwang, Essen and the Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe.

PROVENANCE: Hermann Gerlinger Collection, Würzburg (with the collector's stamp on the reverse, Lugt 6032).

EXHIBITION: Schleswig-Holsteinisches Landesmuseum, Schloss Gottorf, Schleswig (permanent loan from the Hermann Gerlinger Collection, 1995-2001).
Kunstmuseum Moritzburg, Halle an der Saale (permanent loan from the Hermann Gerlinger Collection, 2001-2017).
Buchheim Museum, Bernried (permanent loan from the Hermann Gerlinger Collection, 2017-2022).
Erich Heckel. Einfühlung und Ausdruck, Buchheim Museum, Bernried, October 31, 2020 – March 7, 2021, p. 281 (fig.).

LITERATURE: Heinz Spielmann (ed.), Die Maler der Brücke. Sammlung Hermann Gerlinger, Stuttgart 1995, p. 308, SHG no. 473 (fig.).
Hermann Gerlinger, Katja Schneider (eds.), Die Maler der Brücke. Inventory catalog Hermann Gerlinger Collection, Halle (Saale) 2005, p. 218, SHG no. 494 (fig.).
"I am in work up to my neck, there is no way that I can stop now. I am surrounded by incomplete prints and paintings [..] Like a lithogr. and etching of my sister, who stayed with me for a few days [..]."
Erich Heckel, letter to Walter Kaesbach, November 26, 1920, quoted from: Ebner/Gabelmann p.129.

In very fine condition. Broad margin with just very slight kinks and rubbings and very few tiny stains.