Der Golem, folder of twenty-seven lithographs by Hugo Steiner-Prag, signed by the artist. [Leipzig?], 1916.
Twenty-seven proof copies (Probedruck) by the artist Hugo Steiner-Prag in preparation for printing Der Golem – a series of illustrations for the Golem of Prague legend (according to the version by Gustav Meyrink). Signed and dated by the artist in the margins (1916), with the inscription "Probedruck" (proof copy; some illustrations include titles handwritten by Steiner-Prag).
For two of the illustrations – the Golem's face and the Street of the Alchemists – the artist prepared two different prints: a dark version, as seen in Kurt Wolff's edition, and a lighter version, which was never ultimately used (the present folder includes both versions). An additional lithograph, depicting a figure standing under a stone arch in the night, was never published in Kurt Wolff's edition, and presumably only exists as a proof copy in the present folder.
All the lithographs are matted, and are placed in a fine folder with parchment spine. One lithograph is signed in print, not in handwriting (also marked "Probedruck").
The Der Golem series of lithographs was published by Kurt Wolff (Leipzig, 1916) in a portfolio edition of 300 copies – one of the most impressive and original attempts to depict the Golem of Prague. The present folder contains proof copies of all the illustrations included in the portfolio, apart from one (illustration of Hahnpassgasse street).
[27] lithographs printed on [26] plates (one plate printed on both sides), size varies slightly. Matted (50 cm). Good condition. Some stains and minor defects (primarily to passepartouts). Folder slightly worn and damaged. Illustrated bookplate inside folder.
Provenance: The Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, ALE.93.
