Early Life and Artistic Development
Max Beckmann, a renowned German painter, draftsman, printmaker, sculptor, and writer, was born on February 12, 1884, in Leipzig, Saxony. His artistic journey began with academically correct depictions, which later transformed into distorted figures and spaces, reflecting his altered vision of humanity after serving as a medical orderly in World War I.
Artistic Style and Influences
Beckmann's style, rooted in the imagery of medieval stained glass, was influenced by various artists, including Cézanne,
Van Gogh, Blake, Rembrandt, and Rubens. He also drew inspiration from Northern European artists of the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, such as Bosch, Bruegel, and
Matthias Grünewald.
Notable Works and Exhibitions
*
The Bark (acquired by the National Gallery in Berlin)
*
Self-Portrait in Tuxedo (purchased in 1928)
* Retrospectives at the Städtische Kunsthalle Mannheim (1928) and in Basle and Zurich (1930)
Later Life and Exile
Beckmann's fortunes changed with the rise of Adolf Hitler, leading to his dismissal from the Art School in Frankfurt and the confiscation of over 500 of his works. He lived in self-imposed exile in Amsterdam for ten years, failing to obtain a visa for the United States.
Legacy
* Taught at the art schools of Washington University in St. Louis and the Brooklyn Museum
* First retrospective in the United States took place in 1948 at the City Art Museum, Saint Louis
*
Max-Slevogt Galerie, Germany, features a collection of his works
Key Dates:
* Born: February 12, 1884
* Died: December 27, 1950