“Rivalen” (Rivals), Richard Müller (Tschirnitz near Karlsbad 1874–1954 Dresden-Loschwitz), dated 1912

Etching on handmade paper. Monogrammed and dated “R. M. 1912” in the plate at lower left; bears signature “Rich. Müller” in pencil below the image at lower right. Numbered “7” in pencil on the sheet at upper left. Catalogue raisonné: Günther 64. A reclining, partially clothed female nude holding a fan between two birds facing one another, incorporated into an ornamental web of lines. The sheet is lightly browned and shows isolated staining. A pinpoint dark stain in the upper left margin and two short creases in the lower right margin. Dark accretions to the upper left corner. The lower and right deckle edges are retained; the upper and left edges are trimmed. Hinged at the upper edge verso to a backing card with two paper hinges; one hinge is browned, with adhesive staining at the attachment points. Sheet 19 × 39.8 cm; plate 13.5 × 30.3 cm. At Max Klinger’s suggestion, Müller took up etching in 1895. From 1900 to 1935 he taught at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts; George Grosz was among his pupils.

Condition: II