Hidden away in the attic for years.
In the heart of the Harz region, a remarkable discovery was made in an attic on Rothenberger Street, Altenau. After decades of being hidden away, 23 printing blocks with woodcuts by the renowned Altenau artist, Karl Reinecke, were found.
These printing blocks, approximately 90 years old, are a testament to the artistic spirit of the time period. The motifs on the blocks depict a variety of themes, including greeting motifs from the late 1920s and early 1930s. One of the unique aspects of these prints is the rarer representations such as a North German net mender and a presumed portrait of Walter Spengler.
The thematic references of the prints are tied to the time period, symbolising a turbulent time. A worker surrounded by lightning is a poignant example, reflecting the struggles many people in the Upper Harz faced during the decline of mining and ironworks.
The find serves as a reminder that there may be more forgotten artworks slumbering in the attics of the Harz region. This discovery surpasses all expectations and goes far beyond ordinary attic finds.
The Goslarsche Zeitung reports that the find is not only exciting but also of great cultural value. Dr. Kai Gurski, a Reinecke expert, describes the found pieces as a "real treasure." Original printing blocks from Karl Reinecke are rare today, more than 80 years after his death, making this find particularly significant.
While there is no direct information about the cultural significance of these specific blocks, printing blocks such as these, if they exist, would likely hold cultural significance as historical artifacts reflecting regional printing, artistic, or literary heritage. They could provide insight into local craftsmanship, printing history, iconography, or cultural themes relevant to the Harz region. However, without specific documented information or research findings on these particular blocks from Altenau, it is not possible to definitively state their cultural importance.
For those intrigued by this discovery, a trip to one's own attic could potentially unearth more hidden artworks. The printing blocks have been handed over to the Heimatstube Altenau-Schulenberg for professional storage, ensuring they are preserved for future generations to appreciate.
The find of Karl Reinecke's printing blocks in a Harz region attic uncovers a glimpse into the home-and-garden lifestyle of the time, as some motifs depict ordinary workers and life scenes. The cultural value of these blocks, particularly the unique representations, contributes significantly to the understanding of the local lifestyle and home-and-garden aesthetics during the 1920s and 1930s in the region, enhancing our knowledge of the life and work of the renowned Altenau artist, Karl Reinecke.
