The Juggler
Original print (etching and aquatint on paper) • Kurt Seligmann (Swiss-American, 1900-1962)
Style & Movement
Surrealism
Medium & Technique
Etching and aquatint with drypoint; features fine line work, plate tone nuances, and textured cross-hatching to create depth and volume.
Creation Period
Circa 1940-1943
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 22 cm (plate size); portrait orientation
Subject Description
A fantastical, anthropomorphic hybrid figure reminiscent of a heraldic knight or a jester. The central figure is composed of organic and geometric armor-like plates, drapery, and mechanical limbs. The head is a stylized bird-like or insectoid mask. The composition is highly dynamic, capturing a sense of kinetic, absurd movement often found in Seligmann’s 'cycladic' or medieval-inspired surrealist forms.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the print appears crisp with well-defined lines and no visible signs of foxing or paper degradation.
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 - $5,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$2,500 - $4,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely from a limited edition series published in New York; possibly from the collection of a gallery specializing in European Surrealists in exile.
Art Historical Significance
Kurt Seligmann was a key figure in the Surrealist movement in Paris and later New York. This work exemplifies his interest in the occult, medieval heraldry, and the 'anatomy of the subconscious.' It reflects the cross-pollination of European Surrealism and American abstract tendencies during the WWII era.
Notable Features
Prominent plate mark visible around the image; distinct use of texture to simulate fabric and woodgrain, a hallmark of Seligmann's meticulous etching style.
Condition Issues
Minor plate tone variation which is characteristic of the printing process; some light reflection from the glazing in the photograph masking edges.
Conservation Recommendations
Mount using acid-free archival materials; display under UV-filtering glass; maintain stable humidity levels to prevent paper undulation.