Artwork

The Couple (Das Paar)

The Couple (Das Paar), by Walter Gramatté, ink, 1922
The Couple (Das Paar), by Walter Gramatté, ink, 1922

The Couple (Das Paar) is an ink print by Walter Gramatté. It dates from 1922 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Couple (Das Paar) is a 1922 print by Walter Gramatté, created using etching and abrasion techniques on Japan paper.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a bearded man and a woman together, with the woman's hand on the man's shoulder, conveying a sense of intimacy and quiet connection.

Technique & Style

Gramatté employed etching and abrasion in blue-green to achieve a textured, expressive image with bold lines and minimal detail, characteristic of his blend of expressionist techniques and introspective subject matter.

History & Provenance

Created in 1922 by a German artist known for his work across various locations including Berlin, Hamburg, and Barcelona, this print reflects Gramatté's diverse geographical influences.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Walter Gramatté

Artist

Walter Gramatté

Walter Gramatté (8 January 1897 in Berlin – 9 February 1929 in Hamburg) was a German expressionist painter who specialized in magic realism.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.