George Grosz

George Grosz (1893 - Berlin - 1959), "Reconciliation Corner". Grosz returned to Berlin in 1912 after studying at the Dresden School of Arts and Crafts and, according to his own statements, having received no meaningful training. With a sharp sense of humor and a critical eye, he captured a street scene that year, which he titled "Reconciliation Corner". At first glance, he appears to be depicting a seemingly harmless gathering of people in a relaxed atmosphere. In the background, however, one recognizes a situation that evokes unease: a policeman checking the personal details of a man. Paper faintly browned in spots, slightly creased overall and with faint handling creases. Isolated tiny marginal tears, small paper hole in the top center margin. Mounted at the upper corners verso, slightly pressing through to recto. Overall in good condition. Contrary to the illustration in the catalog raisonné, the figures here are facing each other. Fürst 65/4 b (from b). Pencil on fine chamois-colored wove paper. (19)12. Approx. 22 x 26.5 cm. Signed and dated lower right, titled upper left. Provenance: Estate of the artist, verso on the frame backing board with a section of the former support, there with the estate stamp and the handwritten number "4/156/2"; Richard Cohn, New York; Private collection, Berlin; Karl & Faber, 5.6.2014, lot 526; Private collection, Munich. Taxation: differential taxation (VAT: Margin Scheme).