Schaffrath, Ludwig (Lipofsky, Marvin)

Original Limited Artwork Print: "Lattice"

Alsdorf, Germany: Ludwig Schaffrath, 1975. Limited First Printing. Single Sheet. Inscribed, signed, and numbered by Ludwig Schaffrath.This print features a design by the German artist Ludwig Schaffrath (1924-2011), a stained glass artist extraordinaire and abstract experimentalist. This abstract silver lattice circle design is made up of evenly spaced intersecting lines disrupted by several diagonals and an effect smearing the silver color toward the left side with the appearance of large brush strokes. Not much information can be found about this design, but we have several clues to identify its origin. Schaffrath's studio stamp can be found near the bottom edge of verso which reads, “ludwig schaffrath / 511 alsdorf-ofder / th.-seipp-str. 118” in gray block letters. Below the circular border of the design is the limitation "3/8" implying that this is the third of eight copies made. Schaffrath's signature, abstract as most of his work, is just below that in pencil; the "Sc" is missing and the letters are spaced apart in groups, but it clearly includes the "haffrath" portion of his surname just above "75," dating the print to 1975. This signature is consistent with known examples of Schaffrath's handwriting. An inscription is written in the lower left corner in pencil which reads, “für meinen freund / Marvin / L ’78” referring to American glass artist Marvin Lipofsky (1938-2016), from whose collection we obtained this print. Lipofsky was a central figure in the dissemination of the American Studio Glass Movement, introducing it to California through his tenure as an instructor at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1967, Lipofsky founded the glass program at the California College of Arts and Crafts, which he headed for two decades. He was also a founder of the Glass Art Society (G.A.S.). Schaffrath was also a teacher in the 1970s at the Pilchuck Glass School, which could have contributed to them crossing paths. The inscription is dated "'78," three years after the print was signed originally, and their friendship called for a familiar "L" signature rather than his full name. The remaining 7 copies of this print are either held in private collections or lost to time. This is a rare piece of art history that demonstrates the camaraderie and mutual admiration between two artists of a similar medium at the height of their success. Single sheet (appx. 19 5/8" x 27 1/2"): limited first edition, presumed first-&-only printing. In relatively near-fine condition with mild bumping to the fine edges and corners and mild-to-moderate dimpling/creasing in some areas, especially the right side of recto near center. Near Fine. [Item #7291]

Price: $300.00