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Vertiefung mit Bewölkung (Depression with Cloud Cover), "Der Blutschatten" no 14

Günther Brus (Austrian, born in 1938)
Arnulf Rainer (Austrian, born in 1929)
1984

Medium/Technique Pastel, crayon, gouache and graphite over a ninteenth century nature print (naturselbstdruck) on moderately thin white wove paper
Dimensions Overall: 45.9 × 30.3 cm (18 1/16 × 11 15/16 in.)
Other (Sheet): 58 × 40 cm (22 13/16 × 15 3/4 in.)
Credit Line Gift of Jessie H. Wilkinson—Jessie H. Wilkinson Fund
Accession Number1988.536
ClassificationsDrawings

Gunter Brus’ artistic process often hinged on collaboration, including in this work made with his contemporary, Arnulf Rainer. A 2018 retrospective of Brus’ works noted that the two would often trade pieces mid-process, Rainer sending Brus drawings with which he “could get no further.” This work comes from a book the artists adapted from 19th century botanical prints, adding their own expressive, emotive mark-making in various media, for example the vertical strokes in crayon. Bold outlines slice through the piece, contrasting with the delicate nature of the leaves that remain.


InscriptionsSigned by both artists, dated, and inscribed, l. c., in grapite: "G. Brus 1984 Der Blutschatten" / "Rain..." (in Ranier's hand) / scientific names of plant in German script in Brus's hand, l. r. / "Arnulf Ranier", l. r.
ProvenanceMargarete Roeder Gallery and Editions, Inc., New York; acquired December 1988
Copyright© Arnulf Rainer