5th Annual Portfolio of the ‘Brücke’ artists’ group (E. L. Kirchn

• The 5th annual portfolio of the ‘Brücke’ was published in 1910 and is dedicated to its member Ernst Ludwig Kirchner • The seven exclusive annual portfolios published between 1906 and 1912 were printed in very limited numbers and distributed exclusively to the (then 68) supporting members of the ‘Brücke’ artists’ group • Kirchner’s three works are copies of the main motifs of bathers and dancers in his artistic oeuvre The annual portfolios of the ‘Brücke’ artists’ group Between 1906 and 1912, the ‘Brücke’ artists produced a total of seven annual portfolios of prints, which – entirely in the tradition of 19th-century art societies – were distributed to the association’s supporting members as a token of gratitude for their financial support. From the outset, they contained exclusively original prints. The entire creative process, from the initial artistic concept through to the technical execution of the print, was entirely in the hands of each artist. Entirely in keeping with the ‘Brücke’ concept, these hand proofed sheets (with the exception of the etchings) constitute autonomous works of art. Some prints were designed exclusively for the annual portfolios and published only through them, which is why they are very rare and highly sought-after by collectors. The first three annual folders feature prints by various ‘Brücke’ artists; from the fourth folder in 1909 onwards, a different artist is showcased each year. Each of these folders contains three prints by the selected artist, created using different printmaking techniques, whilst the cover is designed by a fellow artist. This illustrates the aim of the artists’ group, which did not seek to establish a collective style, but rather a collective collaboration in which each artist could develop their own individuality. The group life of ‘Die Brücke’ was characterised by the joint production of these annual portfolios, which are now so famous and sought-after. From printing to compiling and posting, the work is carried out collectively; at the end, the artists organise a celebration, which Pechstein recounts decades later: ‘As was our custom, part of the contributions received from the passive members of "Die Brücke" was used to cover the costs of a closing dinner. As always, there was home-cooked apple rice and meatballs. To accompany this, a juniper schnapps prepared by Heckel." (quoted from: Meike Hoffmann, Leben und Schaffen der Künstlergruppe "Brücke" 1905 bis 1913, Berlin 2005, p. 121). | Moderne Kunst | Druckgrafik | Nummer: 26x2415 | Provenance: Sammlung Hermann Gerlinger, Würzburg; Kunsthandel Hubertus Melsheimer, Köln; Sammlung Olbricht, Essen/Berlin, 2008 bei Vorgenanntem erworben.

Estimate:$53,890.8

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