Der Hafen [Port]

Art Historical Context

**Der Hafen [Port 1922** Created by German artist Paul Gang in 1922,Der Hafen [Port is a striking lithograph measuring 40 × 29. cm (15 34 × 11 5/8 in.). Produced during the early Weimar Republic—a time of ferment and economic upheaval in post-World War I Germany—this print reflects the era's fascination urban and industrial motifs. As part of the National Gallery Art's CG-W department and classified within a portfolio, it exemplifies artists used printmaking to explore modernity an intimate scale. Lithography, a planographic technique where images are drawn on stone or metal plates with greasy materials, was especially prized in the early 20th century for its ability to produce fine gradations of tone and subtle textures. Gangolf's choice of this medium allowed for detailed rendering of harbor scenes, blending precision with expressive potential—a hallmark of graphic arts during this transformative period. Generously gifted by Ruth Cole Kainen, this work enriches the museum's holdings of early modern prints. Visitors will appreciate its compact format, perfect for contemplating the interplay of light, water, and structure in a snapshot of 1920s life. (178 words)

About the Artist

Paul Gangolf · 1879–1936

Paul Gangolf is an artist for whom detailed biographical documentation is not readily available in the major art historical sources consulted. No confirmed birth or death dates have been established, and the details of his training, nationality, and the period during which he was primarily active remain unclear from the available record. Works attributed to Paul Gangolf have attracted enough inst...