Lithograph. Signiert und bezeichnet "Handdruck". Verso handschriftlich betitelt "Zwei tanzende Mädchen". One of to date only three known copies from the second and final state. On fine, yellowish laid paper. 59.5 x 51 cm. Sheet ca.: 67,5 x 62,5 cm.
With the stamp of the Kunstmuseum Basel (Lugt 1570 b) and the handwritten number “L 401 II” on the reverse. [AR].
- Extremely rare; one of only three known copies from this state. - From the group of dance motifs, which were so central to Kirchner’s work. - This is the first time a copy of this lithograph is offered on the international auction market (Source: artprice.com).
We are grateful to Prof. Dr. Günther Gercken for his kind expert advice.
LITERATURE: Günther Gercken, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. Kritisches Werkverzeichnis der Druckgraphik, vol. 5 (1920-1924), Bern 2019, CR no. 1132 II (of II) (ilustrated in black and white, probably a different copy). Annemarie and Wolf-Dieter Dube, E. L. Kirchner. Das graphische Werk, Munich 1967, CR no. L 395 (II of II) (ilustrated in black and white, probably a different copy). Gustav Schiefler, Die Graphik Ernst Ludwig Kirchners, vol. 2 (1917-1927), Berlin-Charlottenburg 1931, CR no. L 401 II.

From the artist's estate. Private collection, Rhineland (acquired from the above in 1965). Private collection, Southern Germany

In good condition. With slight mount staining. Overall, with a few smoothed creases and crease marks. Small tears and stains along the edges, expertly backed and retouched, harmoniously blending into the overall composition. Tiny studio marks and brown spots in the margins, likely material-related. The edges of the sheet are slightly unevenly trimmed.