Lesende Knaben (13. Jahresblatt). 1943.
Woodcut.
Ebner/Gabelmann 868 H. Dube H 374. Signed and dated, as well as inscribed "Für das Jahr 1944" in the printing block. On Japon. 14.3 x 18.2 cm (5.6 x 7.1 in). Sheet: 16,5 x 24,7 cm (6,5 x 9,7 in).
Published as 13th annual sheet in 1944. In 1930 Heckel started the tradition of sending a print, usually a woodcut, with a symbolic message as New Year's greeting to friends. Up until 1968, some 38 of these "Jahresblätter" (Annual Sheets) were made.
• In the past 25 years, only one copy of this woodcut has been offered on the international auctions market (sourcee: artprice.com).
• Amidst the war, the almost 60-year-old Heckel sent the sheet with a depiction of two boys reading inscribed with promising wishes for 1944 to friends, family and collectors.
• As a consequence of the increasing number of air raids on German citties, Heckel feared the loss of his work, which is why he kept his works in different places in Germany, however, his studio in Berlin was bombed in January 1944 and many his works fell victim to the flames.

The work is registered in the Hermann Gerlinger Collection with the number SHG 883 e.

PROVENANCE: Artist's estate.
Hermann Gerlinger Collection, Würzburg (acquired from the above, with the collector's stamp, Lugt 6032).

EXHIBITION: Kunstmuseum Moritzburg, Halle an der Saale (permanent loan from the Hermann Gerlinger Collection, 2001-2017).
Buchheim Museum, Bernried (permanent loan from the Hermann Gerlinger Collection, 2017-2022).

In good condition. Lower margin with a small, skillfully closed split.