Heinrich Kley (German, 1863-1945) Regenmesser (Rain Gauge) Watercolor, ink, and gouache on paper 9-1/2 x 6-1/2 inches (24.1 x 16.5 cm) (image) Signed lower right: Kley Titled lower left under mat: Regenmesser German artist Henrich Kley is well known for his fantastical drawings of nudes, animals, and anthropometric figures, often as interior vignettes, published in a variety of German satirical and fictional publications through the early 20th century. In the present work, titled Regenmesser, German for rain gauge, Kley depicts two nude figures carried through the rain by an unknown creature with each figure dripping wet, wearing a hat and holding an umbrella. The whimsy of Kley's figures as they interact with animals of known and unknown forms seems like something from a dream. In 1937, Kley was introduced to America by way of the Coronet magazine. It is believed that Kley's work later inspired whimsical works in Disney's classical animated opera Fantasia (1940). HID12401132022 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice

Toning to sheet with lines along extreme edges, not affecting figures and not visible when framed. A few very scattered faint pin point stains, not affecting figures. Pin point abrasion to center region of Alligator creature; a few pin holes to negative space, likely inherent to artist's process. Wear and markings to sheet in keeping with illustration process. Framed under glass.
Sheet overall: 11.625 x 9.875 inches