Rediscovering the Mystical: Sulamith Wülfing’s Illustrations for Das Tor III (1931)

Sulamith Wulfing - Das Tor III 1931 — ***Das Tor III*** (1931)

Das Tor, Vol. 3 (The Gate), published in 1931 in Germany, is a rare and ethereal volume that stands at the intersection of literature, mysticism, and visual art. This annual publication, whose title suggests a threshold or portal, serves as a gateway into a dreamlike realm—primarily through the extraordinary illustrations of the German artist Sulamith Wülfing .

The Artist: Sulamith Wülfing

Born in 1901, Sulamith Wülfing was a visionary artist who began drawing at the age of four. Her upbringing was steeped in spiritual matters—her father was a Theosophist—and that sense of the supernatural permeates every line she drew . After completing her studies at the Art College in Wuppertal in 1921, she developed a unique style characterized by translucent figures, luminous beings, and a delicate, almost otherworldly quality. Working often in darkened rooms due to a congenital sensitivity to light, she created images that seem to glow from within .

The Illustrations

By 1931, Wülfing had fully realized her artistic voice. The illustrations she contributed to Das Tor, Vol. 3 are quintessential examples of her work: flowing robes, large melancholic eyes, and figures that hover between the human and the divine. Common subjects include angelic beings, children, philosophers, and mystical creatures . One notable piece from this era is an artwork titled “Angel Coming Home,” which captures her signature blend of religious fantasy and tender emotion .

Her technique often involved painting on black cardboard or using intricate cross-hatching, allowing her characters to emerge from darkness as if illuminated by an inner light.

Significance and Rarity

This volume was produced during the twilight of the Weimar Republic, a period of intense cultural flowering just before the shadows of the 1930s fell over Europe. For collectors and enthusiasts of esoteric art, vintage fantasy, or German Expressionism, Das Tor, Vol. 3 with Wülfing’s illustrations is a treasured find. Original copies and prints from this period are scarce and highly sought after by those who appreciate the mystical in art .

Today, the copyright for all of Sulamith Wülfing’s images is held by Petra Michel and Aquamarin Verlag in Germany . However, the legacy of her work—particularly from pivotal early publications like Das Tor, Vol. 3—continues to enchant new generations, serving as a luminous reminder that even in turbulent times, art can open a gate to beauty and transcendence.

Recommended for collectors:

Die Engel (The Angels) by Sulamith Wülfing – A collection of her angelic art exploring divine protection and human fragility.
Die Kleine Welt (1932) – Another early Wülfing-illustrated volume featuring mystical childhood themes.
The Fantastic Art of Sulamith Wülfing (1977) – A later compilation showcasing many of her most famous mystical paintings.