Gerhard Richter's early drawings found in Dresden attic spark controversy
An album of approximately 500 early drawings by Gerhard Richter, discovered in the attic of a house in Dresden that once belonged to his in-laws, has become a source of dispute. Richter dismissed many as "trash" that should be burned, but former art dealer Helge Achenbach, convicted of fraud in 2015, is seeking a buyer to place them in the Gerhard Richter Archive in Dresden. Achenbach offers his services free of charge, aiming to restore Richter's legacy. However, Dietmar Elger, director of the archive since 2006, values the collection at only €100,000, far below the owner's initial €5.6 million asking price. The drawings, created before Richter's escape from East Germany, lack signatures and are of uncertain authenticity. Among them is a sketch for "Ema, Act on the Stairs," a famous nude portrait of Richter's first wife. The case has embarrassed the 87-year-old artist.
Key facts
- About 500 early drawings by Gerhard Richter were found in a Dresden attic.
- The drawings were discovered in a house that belonged to Richter's in-laws.
- Richter called many of the drawings 'trash' and said they should be burned.
- Helge Achenbach, a former art dealer convicted of fraud, is seeking a buyer.
- Achenbach wants the works to go to the Gerhard Richter Archive in Dresden.
- Dietmar Elger, archive director, values the collection at €100,000.
- The owner initially asked €5.6 million for the drawings.
- The drawings include a sketch for 'Ema, Act on the Stairs.'
- Richter fled East Germany; the drawings predate his escape.
- Many drawings lack signatures, complicating authentication.
Entities
Artists
- Gerhard Richter
Institutions
- Gerhard Richter Archive
- Sotheby's
Locations
- Dresden
- Germany