Hand-Colored Etching — Markusturm, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Signed Ernst Geissendörfer, Mid-Century German

Step into the medieval cobblestone streets of one of Germany's most beloved towns with this charming original etching of the Markusturm (Mark's Tower) in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria. Beneath the image, in his own hand and in pencil, the artist has written the title "Markusturm," the proud designation "Original Radierung" — German for Original Etching — and his signature. These hand-written inscriptions are exactly what distinguishes a genuine hand-pulled etching from a printed reproduction: the etched, hand-colored image is a true intaglio print, and the artist himself titled and signed it below. The work is signed in pencil by Ernst Geissendörfer (1908–1993), a German artist whose hand-colored Rothenburg Markusturm etchings appear in documented auction records. His signature, hand-written title, and "Original Radierung" notation all sit together at the foot of the sheet in the artist's own hand.

Technique & Era

The etching showcases the refined cross-hatched linework characteristic of traditional intaglio printmaking, enriched with a delicate hand-applied watercolor wash that lends the composition warmth and intimacy. This combination of etched line and hand-coloring was a hallmark of German fine art printmaking from the 1920s through the 1960s, a tradition that fell away as offset lithography took hold. The warm ochres of the medieval stonework, soft greens of the shutters, and the gentle blue of the sky speak to the care of a skilled hand rather than a printing press. The piece was professionally framed in the United States — most likely in the 1960s or 1970s — by H.F. Jacobs Custom Framing of Fairfax, Virginia, suggesting it was brought stateside by an American traveler or expatriate with a discerning eye.

Condition & Presentation

The etching itself is in Very Good condition: the print surface is clean and free of foxing, tears, or fading, and the hand-applied colors remain clear and warm. The mat shows light age-appropriate toning, and the walnut-toned wood frame is intact with no breaks or losses — it suits the piece handsomely and requires no reframing before display. The backing dust paper carries a diagonal crack consistent with age, but this is entirely cosmetic to the reverse and has no bearing on the print or mat. Glass is intact. This piece is ready to hang. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of Germany's most collectible subjects, with an established base of German-American collectors, European travel enthusiasts, and lovers of Old World architectural art. The Markusturm — one of the town's defining medieval landmarks — lends the subject particular appeal. Whether displayed in a study, a dining room, or a curated gallery wall, this pencil-signed original etching carries with it the romance of mid-century European travel and the enduring craft of a vanishing printmaking tradition.