Richard Müller

Superb signed proof impression of this important Symbolist work. Exceptional first edition impression with the stamp of the Deutscher Kunstverleger Verein and numbered in pencil in the blindstamp circle. Scarce.

Richard Müller’s art is a form of Romantic Symbolism which shares the appearance of sharp reality found in Klinger’s work, whilst bordering between the conscious and subconscious in much of its imagery. Having learnt the techniques of etching and aquatint from Max Klinger, Auf der Chaussee was to be the first large plate on which Richard Muller experimented successfully with his newly acquired skills.

Richard Müller’s largest printed work, this enormous Symbolist landscape, is directly related to both of Max Klinger’s works in this vein: Die Chaussee, of 1883 (S.124) and Chaussee, of c.1885-8 (S.174). In the first of Klinger’s works the road is empty but the sky is dark and ominous, forming a powerfully sinister landscape; in the later work the sky has cleared, but the body of a woman now lies in the road, her basket beside her, the withered remains of a tree the only evidence of the lightning bolt that has fallen. In Richard Müller’s vision of this subject, the claustrophobic fencing has been replaced by a field of crops, houses can be seen in the distance and the sky indicates a pleasant day – in essence it is the sentiment of Richard Müller’s vision which differs from that of his teacher. An imposing work of great intensity, it remains one of the artist’s most striking landscape plates.

On firm simile Japan paper. Full sheet with exceptionally wide margins and deckle edge. Foxing and some discolouration in outer margins. One repaired crack in image (1.8 cm), otherwise good original condition.