Colored chalk drawing. Signed in pencil lower right. On wove paper. 50.8 x 32.7 cm. , the full sheet.
With a figure sketch in pencil on the reverse. [KA].
- Characteristic chalk drawing in a subtle palette. - Mueller is one of the most important representatives of German Expressionism. - Otto Mueller's nudes count among his most sought-after works on the international auction market. - Extensive exhibition history, including the 1937 exhibition “Water Color Paintings” at the Brooklyn Museum, New York.
LITERATURE: Mario-Andreas von Lüttichau, Tanja Pirsig-Marshall, Otto Mueller. Zeichnungen und Aquarelle, Cologne 2020, cat. rais. no. P 1925/40, illustrated on p. 177. Mario-Andreas von Lüttichau, Tanja Pirsig (eds.), Otto Mueller. Werkverzeichnis der Gemälde und Zeichnungen, Munich 2003 / Essen 2007/08. - - Wenzel Nachbaur, Otto Mueller Werklisten, Archive Roman Norbert Ketterer, Kirchner Museum, Davos, 1950s (illustrated). Stuttgarter Kunstkabinett Roman Norbert Ketterer, Stuttgart, 28th auction, May 28/29, 1957, lot 630, illustrated on plate 17. Lothar-Günther Buchheim, Otto Mueller. Leben und Werk, Feldafing 1963, illustrated in color on p. 233. Grisebach, Berlin, 175th auction, Ausgewählte Werke, June 4, 2010, lot 32 (illustrated in color).

Ninth International Exhibition of Watercolor Paintings, Brooklyn Museum, New York, May 8 - June 13, 1937. Otto Mueller, Dom Galerie, Cologne, April 19 - June 8, 1963, cat. no. 16. 15 Gemälde, Zeichnungen, 15 Graphiken, Wolfgang Wittrock Kunsthandel, Düsseldorf, September 23 - October 14, 1989, cat. no. 18. Collections privées au Luxembourg, Musée National d'historie et d'art, Luxembourg, April 1 - April 30, 1995, cat. no. 111, p. 258 (illustrated in color). Herbstausstellung 2000, Galerie Margret Heuser, Düsseldorf, October 20 - December 16, 2000, cat. no. 26 (illustrated in color). Herbstausstellung 2002, Galerie Margret Heuser, Düsseldorf, November 5 - 30, 2002 (illustrated in color). Herbstausstellung 2008, Galerie Margret Heuser, Düsseldorf, October 30 - December 12, 2008, cat. no. 29 (illustrated in color)

Josef Mueller-Herbig, Karlsruhe/Lübeck (son of the artist, at least until 1937). Nierendorf Gallery, New York (with a label on the reverse, here titled “Half-Act”. Probably on commission). Private collection, Berlin (until 1957: Stuttgarter Kunstkabinett). Galerie Wilhelm Grosshennig, Düsseldorf (acquired from the above in 1957). Paffenholz Collection, Wipperfürth. Wolfgang Wittrock Art Trade, Düsseldorf (1989). Private collection, Luxembourg (until 2010: Grisebach). Private collection, Hesse (acquired from the above in 2010)

Otto Mueller is celebrated for his unique depictions of the human body, especially his female nudes, characterized by a calm, introspective quality. Mueller's art, deeply rooted in the ideals of Expressionism, emphasizes femininity, purity, and freedom through soft palettes and flowing forms. “My pictures replace any biography; I tell my life and experience in my work,” said Mueller. Mueller often portrayed his female partners, some in the early stages of their love affair, others repeatedly. Since Mueller often simplified his figures, typecasting them and making them androgynous with a flat application of color, it is not always easy to identify the models. However, in a few cases, he gives us the chance to do so with certainty. In the present drawing, we are most likely dealing with Mueller's second wife, Elisabeth Lübke, whom he married in 1924 and who gave birth to their son Josef in 1925. The sensitive portrayal of the naked female torso indicates his admiration, respect, and love for this woman. He depicts her in a strong pose, gracefully supported by her left arm at an angle on her hip, with a carefree, intense expression in her eyes. Painted in cool blue tones, this work mainly showcases Mueller's unique way of expressing subtle atmospheres and moods, which is also true of this poignant portrait of beauty. [KA]

In good condition. A neatly smoothed crease in the bottom left corner of the sheet.