Erik Nitsche (Swiss, 1908 - 1998) "Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Designs" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the German 50pf Ludwig Mies van der Rohe stamp issued February 13, 1986. With Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe is considered one of the fathers of twentieth century architecture. From his earliest works with Walter Gropius to his collaboration on the Seagram's building in New York, Mies van der Rohe was a dominant force in and leading exponent of the International Style of architecture. He perfected the use of reinforced concrete, steel and glass to create a simplicity of design which emphasized a horizontal perspective. His "skin and bones" designs epitomized his "less is more" philosophy. Mies van der Rohe first gained international prominence with his design for the German Pavilion at the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, Spain. The design was a triumph of chrome-plated steel columns, green marble dividers and gray glass highlighted by a reflecting pool. Mies van der Rohe also designed his famed chair, stool and table which gave the interior of the building a timeless quality of perfection. After fleeing Germany, Mies van der Rohe settled in Chicago as director of architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology (I.I.T.). There he spread his philosophy to young American designers and completed perhaps his finest work -- Crown Hall which houses the School of Architecture and Design at I.I.T. Mies van der Rohe left I.I.T. to resume his private practice. He continued to design noteworthy structures until his death. Image Size: 12 x 14 in. Overall Size: 15 x 20 in. Unframed. (B09932)