Margot von Schlotheim was a German printmaker and artist, part of the legion of women artists who helped pioneer colour woodblocks in the first half of the twentieth century. In this work she captures an Australian native, the cockatoo, presenting it as regal with its yellow crest poised like a crown.

Not enough is known about von Schlotheim. She was the daughter of Major-General Albin von Wentsky und Petersheyde and married landowner Braon Friedrich Hartmann von Schlotheim in Breslau, Germany, with whom she had three sons. Only a small series of her prints are in existence, each a print of an animal like ‘Untitled (Cockatoo)’.

Under what circumstances the German artist captured an Australian native are unknown. Perhaps the work’s provenance offers a clue. ‘Untitled (Cockatoo)’ comes from the private collection of noted scholar and curator of the National Gallery of Victoria, Ursula Hoff, whose passion for prints was unparalleled.

For collectors of avian art, German woodblock prints and European printmakers, swoop in on this newly framed feathered feat. If only this cockatoo could talk back.

Margot von SCHLOTHEIM (1884 - 1974)
'Untitled [Cockatoo]'
woodblock on paper
Image Size: 40 x 29 cm
Dimensions: 68 x 54 x 4 cm
Signed: Signed lower right; inscribed with indistinct title lower left.
 
Comes with Letter of Provenance
 
Condition: Very Good: Describes a work of art's image as Excellent, but may show some small signs of surrounding wear to paper or frame. There are no tears to paper margin or disruption to the paint surface.
 
(c) The Artist or Assignee