Spiegel, grau (Mirror, Grey)
Installation/Sculpture, large-format glass work • Gerhard Richter
Style & Movement
Contemporary, Minimalism, Conceptual Art
Medium & Technique
Grey-pigmented glass, coated and polished to create a reflective surface with a deep tonal quality
Creation Period
Modern contemporary, likely from the series initiated in the early 1990s (c. 1991-2000s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 400 cm x 400 cm overall (diptych); large scale vertical/square format
Subject Description
A diptych of large grey mirrors that reflect the surrounding architecture and viewers. The work explores themes of perception, the 'anti-picture,' and the relationship between the viewer and the void of the monochromatic surface.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; appears well-maintained within a gallery/museum environment with a clear, flaw-free surface
Estimated Market Value
$15,000,000 - $25,000,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$12,000,000 - $20,000,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely part of a major institutional collection such as the Dia Art Foundation or a similar blue-chip gallery/museum provenance
Art Historical Significance
A seminal work in Richter's career that bridges his monochromatic 'Grey' paintings with his glass sculptures. It represents his career-long investigation into the nature of the image and the limitations of painting as a representation of reality.
Notable Features
The vertical seam between the two panels creates a subtle interruption in the reflection, highlighting the objecthood of the glass while simultaneously acting as a window into a distorted reality.
Condition Issues
Potential issues include surface fingerprints, dust, or minor abrasions near the base, though none are visible in the image provided.
Conservation Recommendations
Requires strict climate control (low humidity) and specialized cleaning protocols using non-abrasive materials to maintain the high-gloss finish. Vibration-secure mounting is essential due to scale.