Summer Games

Art Historical Context

**Summer Games** by Morizzer, created between 1911 and 1912, captures joyful spirit of leisure in an era just before World War I reshaped Europe. This vibrant print, now housed in the National Gallery Art thanks to the generous gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, visitors to imagine carefree summer pastimes—perhaps children at play amid lush greenery—rendered with Melzer's distinctive flair for color and movement. What makes this work stand out is its innovative medium: a color monotype on delicate thin Japanese paper, enhanced with white gouache for luminous highlights, then mounted on a grey-blue support sheet (33.2 × 48 cm). Monotype, a printmaking technique where paint is applied directly to a plate for a single, painterly impression, blends the uniqueness of painting with print's reproducibility. The Japanese paper, prized for its absorbency and texture, allows rich, saturated hues, while the gouache adds a sculptural depth, showcasing Melzer's experimental approach in the print department (CG-W). As a classified print, *Summer Games* exemplifies early 20th-century innovation, bridging fine art and graphic traditions. Its playful title and technique offer a delightful window into pre-war optimism, perfect for pondering amid the gallery's treasures.