Erich Heckel (1883 - 1970) was a German painter linked to the expressionist movement and a member of the Die Brücke group. He dedicated himself firstly to lithography and engraving, techniques which he quickly mastered. As all German expressionists, engraving and particularly, wood engraving is one of his favourite media. In 1912, he met Franz Marc and exhibited with the painters of Der Blaue Reiter, his drawing technique solidified and he used colder colours; he exhibited at the Sonderbund in Cologne. After having been classified as "degenerate" by the Nazis, Heckel is considered today as one of the masters of German Expressionism and one of the great artists of the 20th century. Stahlsund is one of Heckel’s most beautiful engravings and is typical of his wood engravings: with black flat tints showing the frame of the wood, he recreates the atmosphere of this small fishing port. This very beautiful piece is in excellent condition.