'The Lips Are Silent' Framed Etching by Hans Meid

This item is a framed intaglio print, specifically an etching or drypoint, titled 'The Lips Are Silent - France' by the German artist Hans Meid (1883-1957). The artwork depicts a moody, romanticized architectural scene featuring a prominent stone bridge on the right, a large domed building in the center background, and figures engaged in activity by a waterfront in the foreground. The color palette is somber, dominated by deep blues, blacks, and sepia tones, characteristic of German Expressionist influences on traditional printmaking during the early 20th century. The piece is signed in pencil by the artist in the lower right-hand corner and titled in the lower left. The print is housed in a simple wooden frame under glass with a cream-colored mat. Notable condition issues include significant moisture damage or foxing stains visible on the bottom center of the matting, which may indicate similar damage to the underlying paper of the print itself. There is also moderate yellowing of the paper consistent with age and exposure to light. The craftsmanship is high, showing expert use of cross-hatching and tonal wiping of the copper plate to achieve atmospheric depth. Given the style and subject, this likely dates to the 1910s or 1920s.