Max Pechstein (1881 - 1955) - photo 1

Max Pechstein

Max Pechstein, a German Expressionist painter and printmaker, was a significant figure in the art world known for his vibrant use of color and dynamic compositions. Born in Zwickau in 1881, Pechstein's journey into the realms of expressionism began with his training as a decorator's apprentice before moving to Dresden to further his studies at the Kunstgewerbeschule. His career took a pivotal turn in 1906 when he met Erich Heckel and joined the Die Brücke group, alongside other notable artists such as Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, which marked the beginning of his foray into revolutionary art and expressionism​​.

Pechstein's art was not just confined to painting; he was also a master printmaker, with a prolific output that included 421 lithographs, 315 woodcuts and linocuts, and 165 intaglio prints, predominantly etchings​​. His works often depicted scenes from nature, social gatherings, and elements of primitive art, reflecting his interest in the raw and unrefined aspects of culture and humanity​​. This diverse body of work was recognized for its bold innovation and unique perspective, which significantly contributed to the expressionist movement.

The Nazis' rise to power in 1933 had a profound impact on Pechstein's career. His works were deemed degenerate, and he faced severe repression, including the removal of 326 of his paintings from German museums and his dismissal from his teaching position at the Preussische Akademie der Künste​​​​. Despite these challenges, Pechstein's legacy endured, and after World War II, he was reinstated to his teaching post and received numerous accolades for his contributions to art.

Pechstein's works are held in high esteem in museums and galleries worldwide. Notably, his etchings, which depicted the grim realities of war, are housed in the Imperial War Museum in London, showcasing his ability to convey profound emotional and psychological experiences through art​​. Additionally, his painting "Summer in Nidden," which captures the idyllic beauty of the Baltic coast, is part of the collection at the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid, illustrating his love for natural landscapes and vibrant, expressive use of color​​.

For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Hermann Max Pechstein's works offer a fascinating glimpse into the early 20th-century expressionist movement, characterized by a bold exploration of color, form, and social commentary. His contributions to modern art are invaluable, providing insight into the cultural and historical context of his time.

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Date and place of birt:31 december 1881, Zwickau, Germany
Date and place of death:29 june 1955, Berlin, Germany
Nationality:Germany
Period of activity: XIX, XX century
Specialization:Artist, Educator, Graphic artist, Painter
Art school / group:Die Brücke, New Secession
Genre:Flower still life, Genre art, Nude art, Landscape painting, Portrait
Art style:Degenerate art, Expressionism, Post-Impressionism, Post War Art, Fauvism

Creators Germany

Ludwig Wilding (1927 - 2010)
Ludwig Wilding
1927 - 2010
Emil Reinicke (1859 - 1942)
Emil Reinicke
1859 - 1942
Johannes Kahrs (1965)
Johannes Kahrs
1965
Sigmar Polke (1941 - 2010)
Sigmar Polke
1941 - 2010
Alexander Maximilian Seitz (1811 - 1888)
Alexander Maximilian Seitz
1811 - 1888
Christian Georg Schüz (1718 - 1791)
Christian Georg Schüz
1718 - 1791
Stefan Moses (1928 - 2018)
Stefan Moses
1928 - 2018
Lienhard von Monkiewitsch (1941)
Lienhard von Monkiewitsch
1941
Heinrich Rode (1905 - 1983)
Heinrich Rode
1905 - 1983
Athena Vida (1972)
Athena Vida
1972
Martin Henze (1973)
Martin Henze
1973
Carl Haver (1859 - 1924)
Carl Haver
1859 - 1924
Eugen Dücker (1841 - 1916)
Eugen Dücker
1841 - 1916
Erwin Emerich (1876 - 1960)
Erwin Emerich
1876 - 1960
Louis Eysen (1843 - 1899)
Louis Eysen
1843 - 1899
Otto Rodewald (1891 - 1960)
Otto Rodewald
1891 - 1960

Creators Degenerate art

Sergei Aleksandrovich Antonov (1937 - 2015)
Sergei Aleksandrovich Antonov
1937 - 2015
Alfred Zoff (1852 - 1927)
Alfred Zoff
1852 - 1927
Paul Loskill (1899 - 1988)
Paul Loskill
1899 - 1988
Robert Henry De Niro (1922 - 1993)
Robert Henry De Niro
1922 - 1993
John Christopher Wood (1901 - 1930)
John Christopher Wood
1901 - 1930
Mark di Suvero (1933)
Mark di Suvero
1933
Hans Wimmer (1907 - 1992)
Hans Wimmer
1907 - 1992
Marino Marini (1901 - 1980)
Marino Marini
1901 - 1980
Frantisek Emler (1912 - 1992)
Frantisek Emler
1912 - 1992
Henning Edens (1885 - 1943)
Henning Edens
1885 - 1943
Rodolfo Nieto (1936 - 1985)
Rodolfo Nieto
1936 - 1985
Jean Hippolyte Marchand (1883 - 1941)
Jean Hippolyte Marchand
1883 - 1941
Hernan Bas (1978)
Hernan Bas
1978
Agustín Hernández Navarro (1924 - 2022)
Agustín Hernández Navarro
1924 - 2022
Kathy Thys (1936)
Kathy Thys
1936
Felicie Waldo Howell (1897 - 1968)
Felicie Waldo Howell
1897 - 1968
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