Sodom und Gomorrha (Brennende Stadt). 1923.
Etching.
Drost 485. Signed, numbered 1/30, titled "Brennende Stadt" and inscribed "No I". On copper plate cardboard. 24,6 : 32,5 cm (9,6 : 12,7 in). Sheet: 37,5 x 54 cm (14,7 x 21,2 in). Hoetger’s 1923 etchings represent a highlight of his graphic work. Although Kokoschka was the main influence on Hoetger, Beckmann, Dix, Grosz and Meidner should also be mentioned in this connection. Hoetger’s prints depict basic situations inherent in the human condition and voice social criticism in the universal sense. Our print “undoubtedly contains a direct allusion [...] to the war. [...]” and, with the dominant mother-and-child grouping, presents a hopeful opposite pole to the reigning terror and chaos. (Suse Drost, Das bildnerische und malerische Werk von Bernhard Hoetger, Bremen 1974, p. 104). [ME]

Beautiful differenciated impression printed with slight plate tone
Good overall impression. With minor mount staining. The wide margin with minor brown stains. Upper left corner with soft crease marks. Lower edge with minor pressure mark.