Max Beckmann

Max Beckmann (1884-1950) was a German painter and printmaker, born in Leipzig. A prominent figure in Expressionism and later associated with New Objectivity, Beckmann's art captured the turbulence of early 20th-century Germany. His works, such as "The Night" (1918-1919), reflect the psychological intensity and existential angst of the post-World War I era. Beckmann's oeuvre extended to various genres, from portraiture to allegorical scenes, revealing a profound exploration of the human condition. Forced to flee Nazi Germany, he spent a significant period in exile before settling in the United States. Beckmann's mature style melded realism with symbolic elements, fostering a unique visual language. His legacy endures through a body of work that encapsulates the tumultuous sociopolitical landscape of his time.