Up for sale is an authentic, vintage 1949 mid-centuryphotographic print capturing an iconic post-war landscape of Köln (Cologne),Germany by renowned press photographer Max Wette.
This striking black-and-white print features a sweeping viewof the newly completed Deutzer Brücke stretching across the Rhine River, withthe majestic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) standing tall in the background. Inthe lower left, the stark architectural ruins of the city\'s wartime destruction which arecompletely ruined shells and rubble pilescontrasts beautifully with the pristine, modern lines of the newly reopenedbridge.
The Deutzer Brücke (Deutz Bridge) holds a massive place in both architectural history and the post-WWII rebirth of Cologne.The bridge completed in late 1948 was the world’s very first steel box girder bridge.When the new Deutzer Brücke opened just three years later in October 1948, it became a roaring symbol of the Wirtschaftswunder (German Economic Miracle). It proved to the world that Cologne could not only rebuild from the ashes of war but innovate while doing so.
The reverse side carries significant archival value,featuring the original stamped studio signature:
\"FOTO: MAX WETTE KÖLN, GEREONSTR. 18-32\"
It also includes a vintage period ink inscription reading:\"The new bridge built in 1949.\" (Referencing the historic completionof the bridge structure between late 1948 and early 1949).
Item Details & Specifications
• Photographer: Max Wette (Gereonstraße 18-32, Köln)
• Dimensions: 17 cm x 11 cm (Approx. 6.7\" x 4.3\")
• Medium: Authentic vintage silver gelatin print (originaldarkroom press photo)
• Subject: The newly reconstructed Deutzer Brücke, theRhine, and the Kölner Dom amidst post-war reconstruction.
• Year: 1949 (Post-WWII / German Economic Miracle Era)
Condition
Beautiful vintage condition. The photograph exhibits crispdetails, excellent mid-century mid-tones, and solid contrast. The reverse shows minor, natural age-toning to thepaper and very clear stamps/handwriting as shown in the images.
This is a museum-quality piece of German photographichistory, perfect for collectors of post-war European photojournalism,architectural history, or mid-century fine art photography. This photo has been in my family for decades well cared for.
Shipping: Will be packaged completely flat and sandwichedsecurely between heavy corrugated cardboard sheets inside a rigid mailer toprevent any bending or moisture damage during transit. Please reach out withany questions as all sales are final. U.S. buyers only please.
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