5387 - Uhl, Joseph

Uhl, Joseph "Epilogue" ("Thus ends man...what seemed sublime and desirable to him..."). Etching, aquatint, and drypoint on Similijapan. 26.5 x 26.5 cm. Signed, numbered “14.” and titled; signed by the publisher “Heinr. Wetteroth München gdr” in the white margin below the image. Circa 1913. The motif of the floating heart, crushed by a hand, above the vast, turbulent sea, together with the quoted verse, constitutes a contemplation on life. The four lines from Friedrich Schiller’s *The Maid of Orleans* (Act 3, Scene 3, Entrance 6) underscore the question raised by the weeping heart: For what do we live—and, above all, suffer—during our time on earth? The print is a particularly striking example of Uhl’s “world irony,” clearly inspired by Max Klinger (see Eugen Kalkschmidt, “Joseph Uhl: A New Etcher,” in: Zeitschrift für bildende Kunst, 5, New Series 22, 1911, p. 101). The title “Epilog,” added by the artist’s own hand, suggests a connection to a series of prints. Stylistically and based on the four-line inscription, a connection to the “Liebesmysterium” (Mystery of Love), published in 1913, is conceivable, as Uhl incorporated a quote from Friedrich Hebbel into its first sheet. An excellent, rich-toned, and well-defined print with a wide margin, featuring the full pull margin on two sides. Slightly foxed and with minimal nicks along the margins; otherwise in impeccable condition. Rare. - Please ask for condition reports for individual lots, as the condition is usually not mentioned in the catalog. - Please ask for condition reports for individual lots, as the condition is usually not mentioned in the catalog.