ringl + pit

"One of the most rewarding aspects of working in the photography world for over forty years is having the opportunity of building close and lasting friendships with many of the artists. I was fortunate to have such a connection with Ellen Auerbach aka “pit” of ringl+pit, the avant-garde, entrepreneurial collaborative design and photography duo (Grete Stern was her partner aka “ringl”). These two dynamic female artists broke new ground in both commercial and fine art photography in Berlin during the 1930’s. When I met Ellen late in her life, she was in her 80’s but still incredibly spunky. She had worked with other colleagues but she was looking to take her work to another level of understanding and acceptance.  We clicked instantly. Ellen’s German Jewish background ran parallel to both of my parents, and her sarcastic wit and sense of humor jibed with my own. We became close friends and I was able to guide her career and successfully place her work in major institutions and publications during the twelve years we worked together and for the many years that followed as I continue to represent her Estate.

The ringl+pit portfolio chosen for inclusion in this auction contains twelve extraordinary examples of the collaborative efforts of Auerbach and Stern, created between 1929 – 1933." - Robert Mann

Founded in 1985, Robert Mann Gallery specializes in 20th-century masters of photography and represents an international roster contemporary artists working in photo-based art.