Artist: Robert Kasimir
Title: Marktbreit
Year created: Late 20th Century
Medium: Multi-Plate Color Etching, Hand-signed by the Artist in pencil
Height (inches): 23-1/2
Width (inches): 19-1/2
Depth (inches): 1
Signed by the artist
Signed Area: front
Description of piece:
The titular Marktbreit, located in Bavaria, Germany, is a town with an ancient history. Situated at the most southern point of the Main river, Marktbreit, with its suburb Gnodstadt, has around 3,700 inhabitants. Gnodstadt was first mentioned in a document in 1124. Marktbreit was first mentioned as "broite inferior" in a document of the Count of Castell in 1258. From 1351 Gnodstadt was ruled by Hohenlohe-Brauneck. In 1557, King Ferdinand granted Marktbreit the right to hold markets, thus the name "Markt"breit that has since been used. In the 1500’s a castle, Schloss Marktbreit, was built. In the 17th and 18th century Marktbreit was an important marketplace because the shortest way to the Danube from the Main (which flows into the Rhine) starts in Marktbreit.
Near Markbreit, the site of a large Roman legionary fortress (or castrum legionarium) known locally as the Römerlager Marktbreit, was discovered in 1985 and celebrated as a scientific sensation because it was never suspected that a legionary fortress was built so far northeast in enemy territory. It was built in Augustan times in enemy territory beyond the "Limes" frontier in preparation for an invasion of the rest of Germany. However, a rebellion in Pannonia delayed the execution of the invasion plan, and the defeat of Varus in the Teutoburg Forest put an end to all Roman ambitions east of the Rhine, and the base was never used.
Robert Kasimir, renowned artist and maker of etchings, has created this intricate and intimate portrait of the storied town of Marktbreit. A color etching, dating from the late 20th century, the work utilizes the multi-plate color etching technique invented by Kasimir’s artist parents, and perfected by Kasimir.
Marktbreit is signed by the artist, lower center, in pencil. The etching comes in its original vintage framing, with a framed size measuring 23.5” in height x 19.5” width x 1” depth. The frame, in gold with elegant detailing, is completed by multi-layer matting, for a refined presentation.
The artwork comes with a certificate of authenticity, within a clear, protective archival sleeve.
Artist bio:
Robert Kasimir (1914-2002), son of renowned artists Luigi Kasimir and Tanna Kasimir-Hoernes, began drawing at age 4, taught by his grandfather Alois. He made his first etching at age 5. He became renowned for his unique take on the multiple-plate color etching process invented by his parents.
After graduating from Vienna schools, Robert Kasimir studied at Vienna’s Academy for Graphic Art, where he studied under Professor Hans Frank, a painter and graphic artist. In 1936 Kasimir came to the United States to study at the Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia. During his study in the United States, he made drawings for his American etchings, including the Capitol in Washington, Yale University, Broad Street, New York, and the University of California in Berkeley. He completed the actual etchings after his return to Vienna.
Inspired by the the cultural and architectural influences within Europe during and after the second World War, Kasimir produced a prolific, uniquely European body of work which included Viennese and Austrian scenes, such as the Vienna Opera House and Kreuzenstein Castle, and depictions of other European cities, towns and scenes.
Touring the United States again in the summer of 1968, Kasimir made drawings at Yale, Harvard, and in New York City, which he then used to create etchings. In the summers of 1973, 1976, and 1981, he returned to the U.S. to make drawings and etchings of California scenes, and for several exhibitions.
Robert Kasimir’s etchings are housed in many great print collections, including the New York Public Library, European museums, and in private collections.
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