Other Prints · 19th century
€ 180
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
This woodcut is in good condition for its age, with slight age-toning and a few faint spots. The lines remain crisp and clear, preserving the humorous and lively spirit of Elze’s composition.
Whimsical Woodcut of Pierrot Tuning a Double Bass – Erich Elze, 1900
This captivating woodcut titled "Faschingstoene" (Carnival Tones) by Erich Elze is a striking example of early 20th-century modernist illustration. Featured in the 1900 yearbook *Moderne Kunst in Meisterholzschnitten* (Modern Art in Master Woodcuts), the print showcases a standing Pierrot clown figure, lost in the moment of tuning the G string of his double bass.
Elze’s woodcut masterfully captures the essence of the Pierrot character – a melancholy clown whose exaggerated ruffled collar and pointed hat convey the bittersweet duality of carnival life. The stark contrast of the black lines against the light green background lends the work a vivid yet contemplative quality, typical of the Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) movement that swept Europe at the turn of the century.
The exaggerated posture of the musician, leaning tenderly into the body of the double bass, creates a dynamic composition full of subtle humor and pathos. Every line and shadow adds to the lively texture of the image, drawing viewers into the world of carnival music and the whimsical melancholy of the Pierrot figure.
Published as part of a collection of Meisterholzschnitten, this work reflects a key moment in the history of European art, when illustrators and woodcut artists embraced modernity while paying homage to the traditions of hand-crafted printmaking. This blend of innovation and nostalgia makes it a rare find for collectors of antique prints or lovers of early 20th-century graphic art.
Condition Report:
This woodcut is in good condition for its age, with slight age-toning and a few faint spots. The lines remain crisp and clear, preserving the humorous and lively spirit of Elze’s composition.
Tips for framing:
For a classic display, use a white or pale cream mat to highlight the strong lines of the print. A slim black or dark wooden frame can enhance the modern graphic style while keeping focus on the lively clown figure.
