Lot 781: Woodcut by Diether Ritzert (German, b. 1927)

Woodcut by Diether Ritzert (German, b. 1927) Depicting a seated female nude, signed lower right and numbered lower left in pencil; 24.5" x 17.5".

Franklin Folger (1919-2007) was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. His drawing ability was recognized at an early age, and following his high school education at Withrow High School, Folger enrolled in the Cincinnati Art Academy-- beginning a relationship with the school that would last a lifetime. With the exception of a four year stint in the Army from 1942-1947, Folger never left the Queen City. Given the artistÆs sense of humor, work ethic, and keen sense of cultural observation, he was drawn to the life of a cartoonist. His cartoon, called ôThe Girlsö, first appeared in the Cincinnati Enquirer and was quickly syndicated nationally in the following years. The near immediate success of the cartoon enabled Franklin to work from his home in Downtown Cincinnati. For the next several decades, Franklin devoted himself to his art and collecting. FolgerÆs collecting tastes were indicative of his livelihoodùhe appreciated linear forms, printmaking, figural studies and above all, the female nude. He collected primarily modernist works from both highly regarded 20th century artists and relatively unknown local artists who were striving to make a career. Folger established relationships with both the Graphic-Circle and the Associated American Artists in New York, as each were organizations which supported up-and-coming artists during the middle of twentieth century. His correspondence with the two groups was frequent, and he would often receive catalogues and place orders for works on paper. Folger was above all a patron of the Cincinnati Arts. His appreciation for the Cincinnati Art Academy and other local institutions which were so influential on the formation of his career is evidenced by FolgerÆs vast collection of works from Cincinnati artists. Again, Folger maintained close relationships with several galleries within Cincinnati: ClossonÆs Art Gallery, SuderÆs, Flair Gallery and others. He frequently attended shows and exhibitions for contemporary artists, and supported them by purchasing their works. The collection Folger amassed during his lifetime is a tightly thematic blend of modernist paintings, sculpture and works on paper. His emphasis on Cincinnati artists echoed these styles, and his mid-century modern collection of furniture (sold in these sales rooms, June 21st, 2008) merged seamlessly with his collection of fine art. Creasing in upper margin.

Accompanied by Original Label from Grafic-Circle, NY