Berta Hummel Children Under Umbrella Prints (1931 & 1936) | Antique German Illustration Pair
Viridian Eclection
The Set
A pair of illustrations by Berta Hummel showing children sheltering beneath umbrellas, rendered with the softness, emotional restraint and narrative warmth that define her early work.
The left image is signed and dated 1931, the right 1936. Both are signed in the plate, Hummel, with the dates 31 and 36. The figures are expressive but never exaggerated, and their closeness, posture and shared gesture convey protection, companionship and innocence without sentimentality.
The two sheets are presented together in a vintage wood frame with a stepped profile, with neutral matting and an inner window for each image. The period paper backing has been retained and the original hanging hardware is present. Pairing the two illustrations strengthens both their narrative and their visual balance.
History & Provenance
The dates of 1931 and 1936 place these works squarely within Hummel's most important creative period, before her imagery was commercialized into figurines. They originate from her time as Sister Maria Innocentia in Germany, when she produced drawings intended for children's books and devotional publications.
Berta Hummel's original illustrations are the foundation of what later became the Hummel figurines produced by Goebel. The printed illustrations predate the figurines, and for collectors they carry the greater artistic and historical interest.
Early dated Hummel prints of the 1930s are especially desirable because they reflect the artist's original intent, because they were produced before the translation into a mass market product, and because they retain a softness and restraint often lost in later adaptations. The visible dates are not decorative. They anchor the pair historically.
These are not modern reproductions. The paper, the printing method and the aging are consistent with early twentieth century print production, and the origin is likely German or Central European.
Product Details
| Era | Dated 1931 and 1936 |
| Artist | Berta Hummel, working in Germany as Sister Maria Innocentia |
| Origin | Likely German or Central European production |
| Subject | Children sheltering beneath umbrellas, presented as a pair |
| Medium | Printed illustrations after drawings by Berta Hummel |
| Marks | Signed in the plate, Hummel, with the dates 31 and 36 |
| Frame | Vintage wood frame with stepped profile, neutral matting with an inner window for each image, period paper backing retained, original hanging hardware present |
| Condition | Very good antique and vintage condition. Even age toning consistent with early twentieth century paper. No major tears or losses. Minor surface wear appropriate to age. Frame shows light wear and patina |
| Dimensions | To be confirmed |
Why It Belongs in Your Home
This is quiet emotional art rather than kitsch. The pair works in spaces that value warmth and story: a bedroom, a nursery, a reading room, a hallway, or a layered traditional interior, and it sits well in a modern home as a counterpoint to minimalism.
For a collector it is a chance to own early Hummel imagery in a form closer to the artist's original vision than the figurines most people associate with her name.
Early Hummel prints with visible 1930s dates are increasingly difficult to find in cohesive, presentable condition, and paired examples whose dates span several years of the artist's early career are particularly desirable. This is the work before the brand.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Visit the Eclection on Tuesdays, 10 am to 4 pm.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
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