Die Wiederkehr der Kunst (The Return of Art)
Leipzig: Kurt Wolf Verlag, 1919. First edition. Hardcover. Quarto. 113 (3)pp. Original illustrated paper-covered boards with red and blue lettering on cover and spine, protected by modern mylar. Top edge red. Cover illustration by Arnold Topp. Essay on the state of the art by the art historian Adolf Behne: "I am addressing those who believe when I say that art is of a different reality than machines, houses, museums or textbooks. Such things are manufactured based on a plan and are given to us, when we accomplished the deed. Art is different. We cannot manufacture art for us. Whether we erect tall and magnificent domes and set up forests of marble statues is meaningless. Art is not a formality but a mindset, an attitude." Behne was a member of the Werkbund and one of the leading proponents of Expressionism. In a 1913 critique of Bruno Taut Adolf Behne coined the term "Expressionistic Architecture." Behne taught at the Humboldt University in Berlin until 1933 and again from 1945 to 1948. Contains short list of Adolf Behne titles at rear. Text in German. Minor wear along edges of binding. Endpapers age-toned, block very lightly. Very good condition. Item #48628
Price: $150.00