Max Beckmann, Spring (Fruling) (also known as Street in Frankfort), etching and drypoint, 1918, signed lower right. Reference: Hofmaier 133IIb, from the edition of 60 on laid paper; another 40 were on Japan. Plate 13 of Gesichter (Faces), as published byR. Piper, Marees-Gesellschaft, and with their stamp bottom right hand corner. In very good condition, on an ivory laid paper, the full sheet, 11 3/4 x 7 3/4, the sheet 14 1/2 x 11 3/4 inches. Printed by Franz Hanfstaengel, Munich, archival window matting.
A fine fresh impression. This is an impression of the second state (of two); only one proof of the first state is known.
The portfolio Gesichter was a selection of prints done by Beckmann on a variety of subjects over the period of the War, 1914-18; the prints were not made with the portfolio or other compilation in view. But they all do seem to be autobiographical. Beckmann had volunteered as a medical orderly during the War, but after a nervous breakdown in 1915 was given leave.
Here, Beckmann and his wife lean out of their Frankfort apartment window to welcome Spring; the ending of the War may infuse the spirit of the print, but of course that is pure conjecture.
