Luigi Kasimir Print Appraisal

Luigi Kasimir: Vienna Opera House Square (Opernplatz in Wien)

This item is an original color etching with aquatint by the renowned Austro-Hungarian artist Luigi Kasimir (1881–1962). The artwork depicts a bustling scene at the Vienna Opera House Square, likely dating from the early to mid-20th century (circa 1920s-1940s). The composition features intricate architectural detailing of the Opera House in the background, contrasting with the organic forms of bare, wintery trees in the foreground. A prominent Morris column covered in posters serves as a focal point in the middle ground, surrounded by pedestrians holding umbrellas, suggesting a rainy day in the city. The artist's signature is visible in the lower margin, characteristic of his graphite-signed pieces. The print utilizes a soft, atmospheric color palette typical of Kasimir’s multi-plate technique, incorporating muted grays, ambers, and dark shadows to create depth. Physically, the piece appears to be framed under glass with a light-colored mat. There is visible evidence of light-toning and mild foxing on the paper margins, which is common for works of this age. The etching displays the high-quality craftsmanship of a master printmaker, including sharp plate marks and delicate tonal gradations. The condition appears fair to good, though a professional examination out of the frame would be required to rule out more significant acid burn or mounting issues. As an example of Kasimir’s iconic cityscapes, this piece represents a classic European architectural style and is a staple of mid-century print collecting.