St. Francis
Fritz Eichenberg (1901-1990), St. Francis, 1936, wood engraving, signed and dated in pencil bottom margin (also signed in the plate). In excellent condition, with full margins, on a cream wove paper. 8 x 6 inches, the sheet 12 x 9. Archival mounting.
A fine fresh impression. This is a rarely encountered print; we have not seen another impression on the market.
Fritz Eichenberg was born in Cologne where he first studied art; he later became a roving artist and reporter in Berlin, where he worked until 1933, when he immigrated to New York City. He taught at the New School, worked in the Federal Art Project, and eventually became Chairman of the Graphic Arts Department at Pratt.
A master of wood engraving and lithography,Eichenberg illustrated many books, and wrote a number of classic works on printmaking history and technique, including the influential The Art of the Print and The Wood and the Graver.
St. Francis is known for his ministry to the poor and underprivileged, his care for nature and animals, and founding the Franciscan Order.