Max Beckmann was a German painter, printmaker, and writer known for his powerful and expressive style. Born in 1884 in Leipzig, Beckmann studied at the Weimar Academy of Fine Arts and later taught at the Städelschule in Frankfurt. He gained recognition for his bold use of color and distortion of form, often depicting scenes of urban life, political turmoil, and human suffering. Beckmann's work was labeled as "degenerate" by the Nazis, and he was forced to flee Germany during World War II. He spent his later years in the United States, where he continued to create striking and thought-provoking art until his death in 1950. Beckmann's work is now highly regarded for its emotional intensity and vivid storytelling.
1. The Argonauts
- Artwork Name: The Argonauts
- Year: 1949-50
- Medium: Oil On Canvas
2. Beginnning
- Artwork Name: Beginnning
- Year: 1949
3. Artistes
- Artwork Name: Artistes
- Medium: oil,canvas
- Dimensions: 88.5 x 165 cm
4. Adam and Eve
- Artwork Name: Adam and Eve
- Year: 1917
- Medium: oil,canvas
- Dimensions: 57 x 80 cm
5. Brother and sister
- Artwork Name: Brother and sister
- Year: 1933
6. Columbine
- Artwork Name: Columbine
- Year: 1950
- Medium: oil,canvas
7. Floral still life with mirror
- Artwork Name: Floral still life with mirror
- Year: 1927
8. Great Scene of Agony
- Artwork Name: Great Scene of Agony
- Year: 1906
- Medium: oil,canvas
- Dimensions: 141 x 131 cm
9. Lion Tamer, Circus
- Artwork Name: Lion Tamer, Circus
10. Man and woman
- Artwork Name: Man and woman
- Year: 1932
11. The Three Sisters
- Artwork Name: The Three Sisters
12. Alfi with Mask
- Artwork Name: Alfi with Mask
- Year: 1936
13. Motherhood
- Artwork Name: Motherhood
14. Portrait of Minna Beckmann-Tube
- Artwork Name: Portrait of Minna Beckmann-Tube
- Year: 1924
15. Large Stil Life with Telescope
- Artwork Name: Large Stil Life with Telescope
- Year: 1927
- Medium: oil,canvas
- Dimensions: 141 x 207 cm
16. Portrait of Quappi in pink and purple
- Artwork Name: Portrait of Quappi in pink and purple
- Year: 1931
- Dimensions: 110 x 70 cm
The artwork "Portrait of Quappi in pink and purple," created by Max Beckmann in 1931, is an exemplary piece of the Expressionism art movement. This portrait measures 110 x 70 cm and captures a woman's figure in a vivid and stylized manner. The subject is depicted wearing a black dress with a white scarf, her reddish-brown hair styled in an elegant fashion. The background is rendered in shades of pink and purple, with a texture that enhances the expressive quality of the piece. Beckmann's bold use of color and form creates an intensely emotional and personal portrayal.
17. Portrait of Zeretelli
- Artwork Name: Portrait of Zeretelli
- Year: 1927; Germany
- Medium: oil,canvas
- Dimensions: 140 x 96 cm
The artwork, titled "Portrait of Zeretelli" and created by Max Beckmann in 1927 in Germany, is an oil-on-canvas portrait done in the Expressionist style. The painting, which measures 140 x 96 cm, depicts a figure seated in a chair with a notable starkness in its color palette and stylistic execution, typical of the Expressionism movement. Featuring sharp lines and a restrained yet dynamic composition, the figure is characterized by a blue outfit and a solemn demeanor. This significant piece is housed at the Harvard Art Museums in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.
18. Portrait of quappi in blue
- Artwork Name: Portrait of quappi in blue
- Year: 1926
The artwork, titled "Portrait of Quappi in Blue," crafted by the esteemed artist Max Beckmann in 1926, belongs to the Expressionism movement and represents the portrait genre. The painting showcases a woman with short hair, adorned in a blue dress featuring a white lace collar. The bold use of color and strong contrast highlights the subject's facial features and conveys a sense of depth and emotion, characteristic of Beckmann's expressive style. The composition focuses on the play of light and shadow, imparting a dramatic and introspective atmosphere to the piece.
19. Bar Brown
- Artwork Name: Bar Brown
- Year: 1944
The artwork, "Bar Brown," created by Max Beckmann in 1944, exemplifies the Expressionism movement and falls under the genre painting classification. The piece depicts a somber, emotive scene likely set in a bar. The figures in the foreground are rendered with bold, expressive brushstrokes, capturing an intense, almost melancholic atmosphere. Beckmann's characteristic use of dark, contrasting colors and exaggerated forms further emphasize the emotional depth and complexity of the scene. The overall composition is intimate yet imbued with a sense of tension and existential reflection.
20. Patriotic song
- Artwork Name: Patriotic song
The artwork titled "Patriotic Song" by Max Beckmann belongs to the Expressionism art movement and is a genre painting. The artwork exhibits strong emotional expression through distorted and exaggerated human figures. A close arrangement of individuals, depicted with exaggerated facial features and poses, evoke a sense of camaraderie and intensity. The monochromatic, sharply outlined figures contribute to the dramatic and somewhat chaotic atmosphere, embodying the expressive depth characteristic of Beckmann's work within the Expressionist movement.
21. Paris Society
- Artwork Name: Paris Society
- Year: 1931 - 1947
- Medium: oil,canvas
The artwork "Paris Society," created by Max Beckmann between 1931 and 1947 using oil on canvas, is housed at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Characteristic of the Expressionism movement and falling within the genre painting category, the artwork portrays a social gathering with several figures dressed in formal attire. The expressive brushstrokes and vivid color palette convey a dynamic yet somewhat unsettling atmosphere, capturing the nuanced interactions and complexities of high society life.
22. Odysseus And The Siren
- Artwork Name: Odysseus And The Siren
- Year: 1933; Berlin, Germany
- Medium: watercolor
- Dimensions: 101 x 68 cm
"Odysseus and the Siren" is a watercolor painting created by Max Beckmann in 1933 in Berlin, Germany. The artwork, executed in the Expressionist style and measuring 101 by 68 centimeters, belongs to the mythological painting genre and is currently held in a private collection. The painting portrays the mythological encounter between Odysseus and a siren. Beckmann emphasizes bold lines and intense colors to capture the dramatic tension and psychological depth characteristic of Expressionism. The scene features Odysseus in a small boat, tightly bound, with a siren depicted in the background, evocatively blending elements of the mythical and the psychological struggle inherent in the myth.
23. Small Landscape, Viareggio
- Artwork Name: Small Landscape, Viareggio
- Year: 1925; Frankfurt, Germany
- Medium: oil,canvas
- Dimensions: 53 x 35.8 cm
The artwork, titled "Small Landscape, Viareggio," is an oil painting on canvas created by Max Beckmann in 1925 in Frankfurt, Germany. Measuring 53 x 35.8 cm, this piece belongs to the Expressionist art movement and falls under the genre of cityscape. The painting depicts a narrow pathway bordered by trees and buildings, leading to a serene seaside view with sailboats in the distance, rendered in stark, contrasting colors and bold, expressive brushstrokes typical of Expressionism.
24. Seascape with poplars
- Artwork Name: Seascape with poplars
- Year: 1924
"Seascape with Poplars" by Max Beckmann, created in 1924, is a notable example of Expressionist landscape art. The artwork depicts a tranquil scene by a body of water, surrounded by dense, towering poplars and lush, verdant vegetation. The composition includes two individuals engaged in fishing, adding a human element to the serene natural environment. Beckmann's distinctive style is evident through the bold, expressive forms and the richly textured handling of paint, capturing the essence of the landscape with emotive intensity.
25. Self-Portrait as a Nurse
- Artwork Name: Self-Portrait as a Nurse
- Year: 1915
"Self-Portrait as a Nurse," painted by Max Beckmann in 1915, emerges from the Verism art movement. As a self-portrait, the artwork vividly captures the artist donning a nurse's uniform marked by a red cross on the collar. The intense and somewhat unsettling expression on his face, along with the coarse brushstrokes, contribute to the raw, unadulterated realism that characterizes Verism. This piece not only reflects Beckmann's personal experience during the war but also serves as a poignant commentary on the period's social and emotional turmoil.
26. Rugby players
- Artwork Name: Rugby players
- Year: 1929
"Rugby Players," an Expressionist genre painting by Max Beckmann created in 1929, vividly captures the dynamic and intense nature of a rugby match. The artwork features a composition dominated by robust figures engaging in physical struggle, with exaggerated forms and bold lines that convey movement and energy. The players are depicted in various states of action, showcasing Beckmann's characteristic style of combining sharp contours with expressive, painterly brushwork. The tension and athleticism of the scene are further enhanced by the artist's use of stark contrasts in color and form, encapsulating the raw, emotional essence of the sport.
27. Self-Portrait with Red Scarf
- Artwork Name: Self-Portrait with Red Scarf
- Year: 1917
- Medium: oil,canvas
"Self-Portrait with Red Scarf," created by Max Beckmann in 1917, is an oil painting on canvas that exemplifies the Verism art movement. The artwork presents a self-portrait, portraying Beckmann with intense, clear brushstrokes and sharp contrasts, accentuating his expressive facial features and the red scarf that draws immediate attention. Its stylistic execution captures the tension and isolation of the period, emphasizing the artist's introspective and emotional state. This significant piece is currently housed in the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart in Stuttgart, Germany.
28. Self-portrait with champagne glass
- Artwork Name: Self-portrait with champagne glass
- Year: 1919
The artwork, titled "Self-portrait with champagne glass" and created in 1919 by artist Max Beckmann, is a notable example of the Verism movement. As a self-portrait, it captures the artist himself in a moment of introspection while holding a champagne glass. The composition is marked by strong, dramatic lines and an intense, contemplative expression rendered in a bold and somewhat distorted style characteristic of Verism. The backdrop and surrounding elements amplify the psychological depth, presenting an evocative glimpse into the artist's psyche and the era's prevailing sentiments.
29. Self-portrait in front of red curtain
- Artwork Name: Self-portrait in front of red curtain
- Year: 1923
The artwork, entitled *"Self-portrait in front of red curtain,"* was created in 1923 by the artist Max Beckmann and belongs to the Verism art movement. This self-portrait genre depicts the artist in front of a richly draped red curtain, rendered with a distinct and expressive style characteristic of Verism. Beckmann presents himself with a stern expression, donning formal attire, including a black coat, a vest, and a bowler hat, paired with a loosely draped scarf. The detailed and vivid backdrop, along with the meticulous depiction of the artist, enhances the intense emotional depth and stark realism for which Verism is known.
30. Quappi in blue in a boat
- Artwork Name: Quappi in blue in a boat
- Year: 1926 - 1950
The artwork, titled "Quappi in blue in a boat," was created by Max Beckmann between the years 1926 and 1950. It is a quintessential example of the Expressionism art movement and falls under the genre of portraiture. The artwork portrays a figure seated in a boat, adorned in blue attire, exuding a sense of robust presence and introspection, characteristic of Beckmann's bold and expressive style.
31. Quappi in Pink
- Artwork Name: Quappi in Pink
The artwork titled "Quappi in Pink," created by artist Max Beckmann, belongs to the Expressionism art movement and falls within the genre of portraiture. The artwork distinctly captures the subject, donned in a pink headscarf and top, paired with a long necklace, conveying a sense of introspection. Beckmann’s use of bold outlines and vibrant color palette is characteristic of Expressionism, aiming to evoke emotional resonance rather than mere representation. The contemplative pose and detailed rendering of the hands add a depth of character and psychological insight to the portrayal, aligning with the movement's emphasis on expressing internal experience over external reality.
32. Railway Bridge and Rainbow
- Artwork Name: Railway Bridge and Rainbow
- Year: 1942
- Medium: oil,canvas
- Dimensions: 89.5 x 55 cm
"Railway Bridge and Rainbow," painted by Max Beckmann in 1942, is an oil on canvas artwork that belongs to the Expressionist movement. Measuring 89.5 x 55 cm, this landscape genre piece is held in a private collection. The artwork vividly depicts a railway bridge set against a verdant scene, graced by the ethereal presence of a rainbow that arches gracefully across the sky, accentuating the composition with vibrant hues. The expressionistic style manifests through Beckmann's bold brushstrokes and evocative color palette, capturing a moment of dynamic interplay between human engineering and natural beauty.
33. Reclining Nude
- Artwork Name: Reclining Nude
- Year: 1929
- Medium: oil,canvas
- Dimensions: 123 x 86 cm
"Reclining Nude," an oil on canvas painting created in 1929 by artist Max Beckmann, stands as a quintessential piece of Expressionism. With dimensions of 123 x 86 cm, this artwork belongs to the genre of nude paintings and is held in a private collection. The artwork depicts a nude figure reclining, with strong contours and bold use of color and form characteristic of Beckmann's distinctive style, evoking a sense of introspection and raw human emotion.
34. Self-Portrait in Florence
- Artwork Name: Self-Portrait in Florence
- Year: 1907
- Medium: oil,canvas
- Dimensions: 90 x 98 cm
"Self-Portrait in Florence," created by Max Beckmann in 1907, is an oil painting on canvas measuring 90 x 98 cm. This artwork, associated with the Verism art movement, is a self-portrait and currently resides in the Kunsthalle Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany. The painting depicts a somber Beckmann standing in front of what appears to be a background of trees and foliage, his visage solemn and contemplative, with a prominent display of his hand holding a cigarette, adding a depth of personal expression and introspection typical of Verism.
35. Two Circus Artists or Snake Charmer and Clown
- Artwork Name: Two Circus Artists or Snake Charmer and Clown
- Year: 1948
- Medium: oil,canvas
- Dimensions: 88.5 x 165 cm
The artwork titled "Two Circus Artists or Snake Charmer and Clown," created by Max Beckmann in 1948, exemplifies the Expressionism movement. Executed using oil on canvas, the piece measures 88.5 x 165 cm and is categorized as a genre painting. Currently housed in a private collection, the artwork portrays a female snake charmer adorned with a snake and an enigmatic expression, alongside a male figure resembling a clown with exaggerated facial features. The use of bold, expressive brushstrokes and vibrant colors conveys intense emotion and complexity, characteristic of Beckmann's distinctive style within the Expressionist movement.
36. The Rape of Europa
- Artwork Name: The Rape of Europa
- Year: 1933; Berlin, Germany
- Medium: watercolor
- Dimensions: 51.1 x 69.9 cm
"The Rape of Europa," created by Max Beckmann in 1933 in Berlin, Germany, is a watercolor painting measuring 51.1 cm by 69.9 cm. As a work of the Expressionism movement, this mythological painting is currently held in a private collection. The artwork depicts the mythological tale with a bold and evocative style, featuring dynamic, exaggerated lines and vibrant contrasts that are characteristic of Expressionism. The composition captures the dramatic moment of Europa's abduction with a raw emotional intensity, emphasizing the psychological tension of the scene.
37. The Habor of Genua
- Artwork Name: The Habor of Genua
- Year: 1927
- Medium: oil,canvas
"The Harbor of Genua," created by Max Beckmann in 1927, is an oil painting on canvas reflecting the Expressionist movement. Categorized as a landscape, the artwork depicts a bustling harbor scene with elements that are intensified through bold, dramatic lines and color contrasts. The composition features numerous ships docked at the forefront, with a densely built cityscape receding into the background, all under a darkened sky that adds to the emotional intensity and depth of the scene.
38. The Little Fish
- Artwork Name: The Little Fish
- Year: 1933
- Medium: oil,canvas
- Dimensions: 115 x 135 cm
"The Little Fish", created by Max Beckmann in 1933, epitomizes the Expressionist movement through its vivid portrayal of a genre scene. This oil on canvas painting, measuring 115 x 135 cm, is housed at the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, France. The artwork depicts three figures engaging in an enigmatic interaction by the seaside. Two women and a man grasping a fish evoke a sense of curiosity and narrative. Through dynamic composition and bold colors, Beckmann captures a moment of human connection and introspection, characteristic of the Expressionist quest to reveal the emotional depth beneath ordinary experiences.
39. The mill
- Artwork Name: The mill
- Year: 1947
"The Mill," created by Max Beckmann in 1947, is an exemplary work of the Expressionism art movement and falls within the genre painting category. The artwork delineates a dynamic and emotive scene, displaying a range of human figures intertwined in a complex and intense tableau. Beckmann's use of bold lines and vivid colors captures the turbulence and raw emotion characteristic of Expressionism, presenting an evocative and visceral visual narrative.
40. The King
- Artwork Name: The King
- Year: 1934 - 1937
"The King," a portrait created by the artist Max Beckmann between 1934 and 1937, belongs to the Expressionism art movement. The artwork portrays a regal figure adorned with a crown, rendered in bold, expressive brushstrokes characteristic of the Expressionist style. The king, surrounded by other figures, exudes a sense of majesty and authority, with sharp contrasts and dynamic composition emphasizing emotional intensity and psychological depth. The use of vibrant colors and stark contrasts highlights the dramatic and somewhat somber mood of the scene, inviting viewers to delve into the complex emotions and narratives encapsulated in the work.
41. Sinking of the Titanic
- Artwork Name: Sinking of the Titanic
- Year: 1912
The artwork entitled "Sinking of the Titanic" by Max Beckmann, created in 1912, belongs to the Expressionism movement and falls under the genre of marina. The painting dramatically captures the chaotic and tragic aftermath of the Titanic disaster, depicting panicked passengers struggling in turbulent waters as they attempt to survive. The intense use of color and brush strokes evokes a sense of urgency and despair, aligning with the Expressionist aim of conveying deep emotional experiences. The tumultuous sea, filled with overcrowded lifeboats and figures clinging to wreckage, emphasizes the magnitude of human suffering and the harrowing reality of the historic maritime catastrophe.
42. Still life with candles and mirror
- Artwork Name: Still life with candles and mirror
- Year: 1930
The artwork, titled "Still Life with Candles and Mirror", was created by Max Beckmann in 1930 and belongs to the Expressionism movement. This still life composition features an assemblage of objects, including candles, a mirror, a newspaper, a vase, and a candlestick, arranged on a table draped with a cloth. The artwork is characterized by its bold use of color and strong, expressive lines, typical of the Expressionist style, conveying a sense of introspection and emotional depth.
43. The artist and his wife
- Artwork Name: The artist and his wife
- Year: 1925
The artwork entitled "The Artist and His Wife" was created by Max Beckmann in 1925 as part of the Expressionism art movement and belongs to the portrait genre. The artwork depicts a man and a woman, presumed to be the artist himself and his spouse, in a theatrical setting. The man, dressed in purplish attire with a bandage or cap on his head, stands with a contemplative expression and a hand on his chest. The woman, partially hidden and holding a hobby horse, wears a navy hat and a formal coat, her expression appearing cheerful yet enigmatic. The bold use of color and slightly exaggerated forms are characteristic of Expressionism, highlighting emotional intensity and the inner psyche.
44. The Iron Bridge (View of Frankfurt)
- Artwork Name: The Iron Bridge (View of Frankfurt)
- Year: 1922; Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Medium: oil,canvas
The artwork, titled "The Iron Bridge (View of Frankfurt)" by Max Beckmann, was created in 1922 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany and is currently housed in the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen in Düsseldorf, Germany. This oil painting on canvas is a cityscape rendered in a Cubist style. The artwork portrays an iron bridge with a dynamic array of architectural structures and industrial elements, epitomizing the bustling urban environment. It showcases Beckmann's distinctive use of geometric forms and intricate details, bringing to life the vitality of Frankfurt's urban landscape in the early 20th century.
45. Woman with parrot
- Artwork Name: Woman with parrot
- Year: 1946
The artwork, titled "Woman with Parrot", created by Max Beckmann in 1946, belongs to the Expressionism movement and is classified as a portrait. The artwork features a woman depicted in an expressionist style, characterized by dramatic, bold lines and a strong contrast in colors. She is portrayed with a parrot perched near her shoulder, exuding an air of contemplation and intimacy. The composition is marked by Beckmann's distinct use of exaggerated forms and striking, dark outlines, encapsulating the emotional depth and complexity inherent in expressionism.
46. The Night
- Artwork Name: The Night
- Year: 1918
- Medium: Oil on Canvas
- Dimensions: 52 3/8 x 601/4 in.
"The Night," crafted by Max Beckmann in 1918, is an oil on canvas masterpiece situated in the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen in Düsseldorf, Germany. Representing the Expressionism movement, the artwork measures 52 3/8 x 60 1/4 inches. It is a genre painting that compellingly depicts a scene of violence and chaos, characterized by contorted and distressed figures, exemplifying the emotional intensity and stylistic distortions typical of Expressionism. The artwork's use of harsh lines, stark contrasts, and disjointed compositions serve to evoke a powerful sense of anguish, disarray, and emotional turmoil reflective of the post-war era in which it was created.
47. Columbine (Carnival Mask, Green, Violet and Pink)
- Artwork Name: Columbine (Carnival Mask, Green, Violet and Pink)
- Year: 1950
- Medium: Oil on Canvas
- Dimensions: 135.5 x 100.5 cm
The artwork, "Columbine (Carnival Mask, Green, Violet and Pink)" by Max Beckmann, created in 1950, measures 135.5 x 100.5 cm and is executed in oil on canvas. This piece features a seated female figure adorned with a carnival mask, suggesting an air of mystery and disguise. The figure is dressed in a vibrant green outfit accented with violet and pink, and holds a pink mask with red decorations, embodying the festivities and enigma of a carnival. The use of bold, expressive brushstrokes and a palette dominated by dark and vibrant hues contributes to the overall dramatic and evocative composition, characteristic of Beckmann's mature style.
48. Carnival
- Artwork Name: Carnival
- Year: 1943
- Medium: Oil on Canvas
The artwork titled "Carnival" by Max Beckmann, created in 1943 using oil on canvas, is currently housed at the State University of Iowa. This piece vividly captures the essence of a carnival through a triptych format, portraying various individuals in an array of vibrant and dynamic interactions. Each panel of the artwork is filled with bold, expressive figures engaged in seemingly enigmatic and theatrical activities, evoking a sense of mystery and intrigue characteristic of Beckmann's style. The use of rich colors and strong lines creates a dramatic atmosphere, immersing the viewer into the chaotic and exuberant world of a carnival.
49. Birds' Hell
- Artwork Name: Birds' Hell
- Year: 1938
- Medium: Oil on Canvas
- Dimensions: 47 1/4 x 63 in.
"Birds' Hell," an expressionist oil on canvas painting created by Max Beckmann in 1938, measures 47 1/4 x 63 inches and falls under the genre of genre painting. The artwork depicts a harrowing and chaotic scene filled with anthropomorphic bird-like figures and distorted human forms, capturing an atmosphere of torment and surreal intensity, characteristic of Beckmann's critique of contemporary societal and political turbulence. The vibrant, yet disturbing color palette and the dynamic, tumultuous arrangement of figures emphasize a sense of suffering and despair, resonating with the emotional depth and symbolic density typical of the Expressionist movement.
50. Temptation
- Artwork Name: Temptation
- Year: 1936 - 1937
- Medium: Oil on Canvas
"Temptation," an oil on canvas created by Max Beckmann between 1936 and 1937, is a significant work of the Expressionism movement, categorized as a religious painting. The artwork, which resides in a private collection, features vibrant and bold figures, each meticulously detailed and arranged in a triptych format. The central panel showcases a man peculiarly seated before a large framed mirror, with two allegorical female figures positioned to each side. The right panel features a caged figure holding a symbolic object, while another figure in uniform stands in front. The left panel presents a knightly character and other surreal figures, evoking a narrative of moral struggle and human frailty. The use of vivid colors and expressive lines demonstrates Beckmann's mastery in depicting complex human emotions and spiritual themes.