Erich Heckel (1883-1970)

The present early impression of Dube's second state reveals that the block - before it was cut down in the third state - was in fact much wider than recorded by Dube. It shows a faint black tone and the right edge of the block well outside the second borderline. The loose, monotype-like printing of the colours is characteristic for Heckel's early, experimental proof impressions. As indicated by Heckel's inscription 'Aquarell Handdruck', he printed the present impression by hand and the colours are watercolours, applied quite thinly - presumably with a brush - to the second block.

Depictions of animals are rare in Heckel's printed oeuvre and unlike most depictions of landscapes and nature by the Brücke artists, there is an sense of impending drama in this highly concentrated composition. This feeling of unease is further heightened by the uneven shape of the block. This image of figures leading two white horses in a sudden gale is one of the most memorable woodcuts of German Expressionist printmaking and a classic work of the period.