Lithograph. Signed in printing substrate. From an edition of ca. 5 copies. On wove paper. 69.4 x 51.5 cm. , nearly the full sheet. [KA].
The "Zigeunermappe" (Gypsy Portfolio), as the "Zigeuner" series is known today, is Otto Mueller's last major graphic achievement. Severely ill, Mueller had high hopes for the completion of the portfolio and successful sales, which were unfortunately not fulfilled. From an economic point of view, the sale of single sheets was the preferred option. Even after Otto Mueller's death, this practice continued. Few portfolios have survived in their entirety and even fewer have made it onto the open market (see Ketterer Auction 227, fall 1998). Otto Mueller worked on this series with special devotion. He was known for his love of the world of the Romani people. “I'm very busy with the colored lithographs, they will be very beautiful. I've already finished two. I still have seven to go for the portfolio. This work is something completely new to me. Once I've finished a few, I'll send you proofs," Otto Mueller wrote to Maschka, his ex-wife from his first marriage (quoted from: Günther Buchheim, Otto Mueller - Leben und Werk, Feldafing 1963, p. 184). [KA].
- Famous motif from the “Gypsy” portfolio, Otto Mueller's last great graphic achievement.
LITERATURE: Florian Karsch, Otto Mueller. Das graphische Gesamtwerk, Berlin 1974, no. 161/II A (of II B), p. 202 (illu.).