Reinhard Zado - Treppenhaus (4 Radierungen)

Reinhard Zado – “Can Búho”, 1985 – Four signed aquatint prints, each 5/100, in Nielsen exchange frames, with original folder and title sheets.

Offered is a cohesive ensemble of four color original aquatint prints by Reinhard Zado from the 1985 series “Can Búho – The House of Owls” published by Galerie Schmücking in Braunschweig. The offering also includes the accompanying original portfolio and the illustrated title sheets, including the graphically designed title page with an etching and impressed print.

All four etchings are hand-signed in pencil at the lower edge by the artist and each numbered 5/100. Thus all the offered sheets come from the same numbered copy of the edition limited to 100 copies.

The works depict quiet, empty interiors, staircases and views through windows. Their particular charm lies in the interplay of architecture, light and shadow: from dark stairwells the gaze leads to illuminated wall surfaces, through an open door, or to a window with light-diffusing curtains. Worn steps, irregular plaster and restrained architectural details give the rooms character and hint at their story.

Dark greens and browns, warm ochre tones, and finely graded light areas unite the motifs into a atmospherically coherent group. The intaglio technique allows for particularly nuanced tonal values and a striking rendering of wall and floor textures. The images feel calm yet mysterious; the incoming light becomes the true focal point of the scenes.

Reinhard Zado, born 1951 in Much, studied painting and design at the University of Applied Arts in Cologne after an apprenticeship as a compositor. His versatile work includes printmaking, painting, as well as bibliophile books and portfolios. Since 1980 he also ran a studio in Cantallops in Catalonia.

All graphics are framed under glass with matting in Nielsen exchange frames. Three works are housed in dark brown frames with light mats; the window motif is presented in a gold frame with a beige mat. The back-side manufacturer marks and the embossed “nielsen” holders are documented in the detail photographs.

The graphics, frames, mats, as well as the accompanying portfolio and title sheets are in very good condition. The photographs show the offered objects and form part of the condition report.

The original series comprises six etchings. This offer includes the four illustrated, individually framed etchings including the original portfolio and title pages; two etchings are missing to complete the full sequence.

Following our move and the shrinkage of our living space, we no longer have sufficient room to hang these pictures… A charming ensemble for connoisseurs of representational printmaking and atmospheric architectural views, which can be presented directly as a cohesive wall group.