Ballet Aus Rhythmus Appraisal

H. Boettling 'Ballet aus Rhythmus' Print

This item is a framed monochrome print, likely a lithograph or etching, titled 'Ballet aus Rhythmus' by H. Boettling. The print depicts a dynamic scene with multiple figures, primarily female, in various stages of motion, suggesting a dance or ballet. The figures are rendered with a theatrical, almost ethereal quality, some appearing draped in flowing fabric while others are nude or semi-nude, showcasing classical influences. The overall tone is dark and dramatic, with strong contrasts between light and shadow, characteristic of late 19th or early 20th-century graphic arts. In the upper left corner, there is a small section of musical notation, adding to the 'Rhythmus' (rhythm) theme indicated in the title. The print is housed within a gold-toned wooden frame with a subtle, possibly reeded, profile. Inside the gold frame, there is a secondary inner frame or mat, which appears to be a light sage green color, followed by a thinner, off-white or cream-colored mat border directly adjoining the print. The visible condition includes significant glare on the protective glass, obscuring parts of the image and making it difficult to ascertain the print's exact medium and finer details. There are also visible dust particles or debris on the glass and potentially on the print or mat, indicative of age and display conditions. The frame itself appears sturdy, but its exact material and construction cannot be fully determined from the image. The style and subject matter suggest a period from the Art Nouveau or Symbolist movements, placing its estimated age in the late 19th to early 20th century. The signature 'H. Boettling' is visible in the upper right, identifying the artist. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, given the detail and composition of the artwork, typical of fine art prints of that era.