Bidspirit auction | Adolf Arthur Dehn (1895-1968)

Adolf Arthur Dehn (1895-1968) - ADOLF DEHN (1895-1968) CHIN-COLLE LITHOGRAPH, 1931. Adolf Arthur Dehn (1895-1968) We Nordics 1931 A rarely seen image, this fine dark impression on chine applique paper is inscribed Artist's Proof lower left near the title and signed in pencil near the date lower right. From a large group of Dehn works obtained from the artist's family. Unframed. In We Nordics Dehn takes a satirical swipe at the doctrine of ''Nordic'' superiority common in the 1920s and 30s. Nordicism became associated with immigration restriction and claims of white Northern-European superiority that would become a central component of Nazi racial ideology. At the time this image was made, Adolf Dehn had just returned to New York after nearly a decade in Europe. He lost no time observing Harlem nightlife with exactly the same satirical eye he had developed in Europe, as seen in his other 1920s and 1930s lithographs in this catalog. In Paris, as in New York, his work frequently drew from nightclubs, burlesque houses and other popular entertainments, capturing both patrons and performers with the same mixture of observation, humor and social satire. The British Museum notes how Dehn was a keen jazz fan who frequented Harlem's speakeasies, clubs and dance halls. Image measures 13.75 x 11.25, sheet size 19.75 x 13 inches, no frame. Without proof of exemption, be aware that internet sales tax applies to all Internet transactions and local sales tax may apply to local pick-up transactions. We happily provide seamless in-house packing and shipping services on nearly everything we sell. Until further notice, we cannot offer international shipping in-house. Dimensions Image measures 13.75 x 11.25, sheet size 19.75 x 13 inches, no frame. Condition Very good to fine condition, the full untrimmed sheet with deckle edges, not laid down, no damage, stain, punctures, tears or repair, no evidence of this ever having been framed or subjected to mounting techniques. Provenance Private collection, North Kansas City, Missouri.