Sale: 519 / Post War / Cont. Art II, June 19. 2021 in Munich Lot 423

 

423
Joseph Beuys
Amtlich, Um 1984/85.
Canvas suitcase with leather, remains of adhesi...
Estimate:
€ 40,000 / $ 43,200
Sold:
€ 50,000 / $ 54,000

(incl. surcharge)
Amtlich. Um 1984/85.
Canvas suitcase with leather, remains of adhesive labels, masking tape and filled with newspapers from 1985.
With the estate stamp signed by Wenzel Beuys. Unique object. 54 x 43 x 17 cm (21.2 x 16.9 x 6.6 in)[EH].

• A statement critical of the state.
• The authoritative character is questioned through the aspect of fugaciousness.
• A reinterpretation of the content that is typical of Beuys
.

PROVENANCE: Private collection Germany (acquired directly from the artist).

EXHIBITION: Transit. Joseph Beuys Plastische Arbeiten und Zeichnungen 1947 – 1985, Kaiser Wilhelm Museum Krefeld November 17 - February 16, 1991 Stadtmuseum Düsseldorf (permanent loan from November 31, 2007 to November 2020). Cat. no. 70 (illu. on p.140).
Stadtmuseum Düsseldorf (permannet loan from November 31, 2007 – November 2020).
Joseph Beuys: Wo ist Element 3?, Ketterer Kunst, Berlin, March 26 – May 22, 2021.



The container is a found object from before the war, a suitcase possibly even used by the military to transport files. Files sent by courier or rail freight that were marked “Amtlich” (Official) seem to have played an important role. Over time hey have gone lost and the suitcase has likewise lost its original function. Used boxes, suitcases and containers play an important role in Beuys' work. In many cases the artist revised them. In this work offered here Beuys was particularly startled by the note “Amtlich” in the surreal context of an empty, worthless suitcase. [Eugen Blume]



423
Joseph Beuys
Amtlich, Um 1984/85.
Canvas suitcase with leather, remains of adhesi...
Estimate:
€ 40,000 / $ 43,200
Sold:
€ 50,000 / $ 54,000

(incl. surcharge)