These 10 images, abstractions of cathedral interiors and ceremonies, were created by the artist in 1923 and published in 1924. The portfolio remains one of Max Thalmann's most well recognized works, and a strong example of the post-World War I German Expressionist style, replete with the hallmarks of modern spirituality that dominated much of the Eastern European art world at the time.
Thalmann worked primarily as a bookbinder and illustrator but, in between, did 3 portfolios that used the stark geometric lines and angles, symmetry and simplicity that was taught at the Bauhaus. His images also embraced the Japanese concept of "Notan" involving the interplay of light and dark. 'Notan' means dark versus light harmony, using the simple concept of contrasting light and dark shapes, or, black versus white.
This portfolio is contained in its original loose-leaf Atlas-style folio, measuring 25" tall, with original parchment wraps. The decorative woodcut title is printed in black on the parchment, and gilt on the blue linen cover of the folio itself. Included in the collection is a typeset introduction on the artist and the works, written by Gustav Friedrich Hartlaub, art historian and then-director of the Kunsthalle Mannheim, Germany.
The portfolio was done in an edition of 300, of which 50 were fully pencil signed and editioned. The remaining 250 were initialed by Thalmann, such as this portfolio, number 61.