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

Anett Stuth (1965)
Anett Stuth
1965
Karl Hermann Haupt (1904 - 1983)
Karl Hermann Haupt
1904 - 1983
Ernst-Georg Meierhenrich (1944)
Ernst-Georg Meierhenrich
1944
Johann Peter Hasenclever (1810 - 1853)
Johann Peter Hasenclever
1810 - 1853
Eric Goldberg (1890 - 1969)
Eric Goldberg
1890 - 1969
Adalbert Begas (1836 - 1888)
Adalbert Begas
1836 - 1888
Wilhelm Steuerwaldt (1815 - 1871)
Wilhelm Steuerwaldt
1815 - 1871
Hedwig Grundman (1894 - 1987)
Hedwig Grundman
1894 - 1987
Paul Emil Gabel (1875 - 1938)
Paul Emil Gabel
1875 - 1938
Gerhard Seyde (1935 - 2011)
Gerhard Seyde
1935 - 2011
Arthur Illies (1870 - 1953)
Arthur Illies
1870 - 1953
Adolf Schrödter (1805 - 1875)
Adolf Schrödter
1805 - 1875
Sebastian Mögelin (1981)
Sebastian Mögelin
1981
Albert Christoph Dies (1755 - 1822)
Albert Christoph Dies
1755 - 1822
Andreas Feininger (1906 - 1999)
Andreas Feininger
1906 - 1999
Joseph Gallus Rittenberg (1948)
Joseph Gallus Rittenberg
1948

Creators Degenerate art

Mary Fedden (1915 - 2012)
Mary Fedden
1915 - 2012
Marcus Jansen (1968)
Marcus Jansen
1968
John Stuart Dowie (1915 - 2008)
John Stuart Dowie
1915 - 2008
Heinrich Ehmsen (1886 - 1964)
Heinrich Ehmsen
1886 - 1964
Al Held (1928 - 2005)
Al Held
1928 - 2005
Judith Shea (1948)
Judith Shea
1948
Mark di Suvero (1933)
Mark di Suvero
1933
James Bishop (1927 - 2021)
James Bishop
1927 - 2021
Sylvia Hagen (1947)
Sylvia Hagen
1947
Corneliu Baba (1906 - 1997)
Corneliu Baba
1906 - 1997
Robert Lebeck (1929 - 2014)
Robert Lebeck
1929 - 2014
Rolf Aamot (1934 - 2024)
Rolf Aamot
1934 - 2024
Andrey Gennad'evich Pozdeev (1926 - 1998)
Andrey Gennad'evich Pozdeev
1926 - 1998
Hans Joachim Pietrula (1938)
Hans Joachim Pietrula
1938
Wojciech Weiss (1875 - 1950)
Wojciech Weiss
1875 - 1950
Joep Nicolas (1897 - 1972)
Joep Nicolas
1897 - 1972