4134 - Erfurth, Hugo

Erfurth, Hugo The art critic and historian Will Grohmann (1887–1968). Circa 1919. Vintage sepia-toned matte gelatin silver print, mounted on black paper and subsequently on brown paper. 22.3 x 16.3 cm. Photographer’s blindstamp in the lower right corner. Will Grohmann was a prominent German art critic and historian who played a significant role in promoting modern and abstract art in 20th-century Europe. Often referred to as the “godfather of modernism,” he championed avant-garde movements and maintained close relationships with numerous leading artists of his time. He published important monographs on artists such as Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, and Willi Baumeister, contributing significantly to the critical reception and recognition of modern art. – Mount shows some fading; print has a few small spots and a light surface scratch in the upper left area; otherwise in very good condition. Lit.: Bodo von Dewitz and Karin Schuller-Procopovici, eds. Hugo Erfurth 1874–1948: Photography Between Tradition and Modernity. Cologne: Wienand, 1992, ill. p. 339 (bromoil print).