FREDERICH KLEUKENS (1879-1956) DARMSTADT. 1908. 35 1/4x23 5/8 inches. H. Hohmann, Darmstadt. Condition A-: creases at edges; pen in text. Japan. Kleukens was a prominent figure in the world of German graphic design. In Berlin, along with Fritz Ehmke, he co-founded the Steglitzer Werkstatte fur Kunstlerische Drucksachen, the first German studio fully devoted to graphic arts. From 1899, when Josef Maria Olbrich and Peter Behrens were called upon by Grand Duke Ernest Ludwig von Hesse develop a colony of artists there, Darmstadt became one of Germany's most influential and creative cities. Kleukens was asked by the Grand Duke to come to Darmstadt in 1906 to open the Ernst-Ludwig Press. Most likely while he was staying in the city Kleukens designed this poster for an exhibition of "Free and Applied Arts." The statuettes held by the Renaissance lady he depicted represent these forms of art. Her dress, the border and the typography are flawlessly rendered. DFP III 1618.
