Rina Rotholz "Incense Altar" Signed Original Tuilegraph, 1966 | Limited Edition 8/20 | Artist Who Discovered the Tuilegraphy Process

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An exceptional and highly scarce original Tuilegraph by American printmaker Rina Rotholz, titled Incense Altar, hand pencil signed, dated 1966, … Read more An exceptional and highly scarce original Tuilegraph by American printmaker Rina Rotholz, titled Incense Altar, hand pencil signed, dated 1966, and numbered 8/20 from an edition of only twenty impressions.

Created in 1966, Incense Altar is an early example of the distinctive Tuilegraphy process associated with Rotholz's work. According to the artist's published Curriculum Vitae, Rotholz discovered the Tuilegraphy process, an innovative printmaking technique that transformed carved composition floor tiles into richly textured printing plates capable of producing impressions combining elements of intaglio, relief, engraving, embossing, and tonal printing. The resulting works possess an extraordinary sculptural quality unlike traditional etchings, engravings, or lithographs and represent one of the more distinctive technical developments in twentieth-century American printmaking.

Rotholz studied at the Pratt Graphic Arts Center and the Brooklyn Museum Art School, exhibiting extensively throughout the United States during her career. Her work is represented in museum and institutional collections including the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Israel Museum, Jerusalem, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Rose Art Museum at Brandeis University, the Museum of American Jewish History, and the Museum of Fine Arts at C.W. Post College. Her Tuilegraphy process is also documented in Ruth Leaf's respected reference Intaglio Printmaking Techniques, reflecting its place within the history of contemporary printmaking.

Incense Altar beautifully exemplifies Rotholz's enduring interest in archaeology, architecture, and cultural memory. The composition depicts what appears to be an ancient carved architectural fragment whose weathered inscriptions and richly textured surface invite multiple interpretations while conveying a remarkable sense of permanence and monumentality. The restrained monochromatic palette and exceptional textural depth create a timeless aesthetic equally suited to Mid-Century Modern, Contemporary, Minimalist, Brutalist, and carefully curated interiors.

The work is hand pencil signed by the artist, titled, dated 1966, and individually numbered 8/20. With only twenty impressions produced, surviving examples are encountered only infrequently, particularly those retaining their original period presentation.

Professionally framed beneath glass in an elegant brushed silver gallery frame with archival-style cream double matting and a finely ruled inner liner, the presentation complements the sculptural qualities of the print without distracting from the composition. The reverse retains its original backing with period handwritten identification noting the artist, title, edition number, and date, together with the original Now & Then Gallery framer's label, providing valuable historical documentation accompanying the artwork.

Overall framed dimensions measure approximately 30 inches high by 24 inches wide. The visible image measures approximately 24 inches high by 18 inches wide. Approximate framed weight is 8 pounds.

With the artist's body of work now complete, original Tuilegraphs from this early period have become increasingly difficult to locate. Combining an exceptionally small edition, documented technical innovation, institutional recognition, original gallery presentation, and period documentation, Incense Altar represents an outstanding opportunity to acquire an important original work by one of the twentieth century's most innovative American printmakers. See less