The first an ink on board, signed with the artist's initials and dated 1956, likely from his "Music to be Seen" series, unframed (8 7/8 x 18 1/8 in.) (toning to board, stain to left of center of composition); the second an ink on paper, signed with artist's initials and dated 1956 in the composition, with red artist's stamp at lower right, unframed (11 x 15 in.) (light toning to sheet).

Ulfert Wilke was a German-American artist, calligrapher, and museum director known for his abstract expressionist paintings and distinctive use of calligraphic forms. Born in Bavaria, Germany, Wilke immigrated to the United States in 1938, where he became an influential figure in the post-war American art scene. His work is characterized by fluid, gestural brushstrokes, often inspired by Asian calligraphy, blending Western abstraction with Eastern aesthetics.

Wilke's deep interest in symbols, writing systems, and mark-making shaped his artistic style, and his pieces often explore the expressive power of lines and forms. In addition to his work as an artist, he served as the founding director of the University of Iowa Museum of Art and was a respected art educator. His artwork is part of many prestigious collections, including the Guggenheim Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Accompanied by a copy of the 1977 exhibition catalogue Ulfert Wilke: Recent Calligraphic Paintings. (extensive foxing)