Arthur Kampf - Zwanzig Radierungen zu Shakespeares Werken (Komplettset 20/20 Blätter + signiertes Impressum)

Rare and complete graphic portfolio (47 x 32.5 cm):
Arthur Kampf – Twenty Etchings to Shakespeare’s Works (Complete set 20/20 sheets + signed imprint)

Up for auction is an outstanding, fully complete graphic portfolio by the well-known German history painter and impressionist Arthur Kampf (1864–1950). The edition appeared around 1925 at Wegweiser-Verlag (Volksverband der Bücherfreunde), Berlin.

Special Highlight:
The included table of contents/imprint is handwritten in pencil by the artist Arthur Kampf (“A. Kampf”). According to the imprint, the large-format sheets were pulled on the renowned copperplate press of Carl Sabo in Berlin.

Scope of Delivery & Included Motifs (Complete 20/20 Etchings):
* Original half-cloth portfolio folder with title page
* Original title page
* Original table of contents with the artist’s handwritten pencil signature
* 20 Original Etchings (each signed in the plate) depicting scenes from the following Shakespearean works:

1. Richard II – The deposed king in the dungeon.
2. Henry IV – The rustic tavern scenes with Falstaff.
3. Henry VI – Gloomy scenes from the Wars of the Roses.
4. Richard III – The historical coronation and transfer of power.
5. Henry VIII – The ceremonial baptism and blessing of Princess Elizabeth.
6. Julius Caesar – The dramatic conspiracy in the Roman Senate.
7. The Two Gentlemen of Verona – Scenes around the lovers’ entanglements.
8. A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Titania caressing Bottom with the donkey’s head.
9. The Taming of the Shrew – The turbulent duel between Petruchio and Katharina.
10. The Merchant of Venice – The court case surrounding Shylock.
11. The Merry Wives of Windsor – Falstaff in the dirty laundry basket.
12. Twelfth Night – The famous silencer scene in the garden.
13. Hamlet – The iconic graveyard scene with Yorick’s skull.
14. Othello – The tragic scene before Desdemona’s death.
15. King Lear – The aging king with the jester in the storm on the heath.
16. Troilus and Cressida – The lovers against the backdrop of the Trojan War.
17. The Winter’s Tale – Hermione awakening as a statue to life.
18. The Tempest – The sorcerer Prospero and Caliban.
19. Venus and Adonis – Venus laments over the slain Adonis.
20. The Rape of Lucrece – The highly emotional scene from the epic poem.

Condition:
The original outer portfolio is generally well preserved. The title page and the sheet edges show age-related, minimal foxing (brown spots), as visible in the photos.

The etchings themselves (the image motifs) are superb, clean, and in very good condition. The sheet margins are stable and without notable damage.

A rare, absolutely complete, and masterful collection from the German interwar period – of particular value to collectors due to the original pencil-signed imprint by the artist.