Max Beckmann

Modern Masters Series #19

by Peter Selz

Even now, some forty-five years after his death, the works created by Max Beckmann exert an intense influence on contemporary art. His piercing self-portraits, his enigmatic yet compelling triptychs, his incisive prints all have earned him a well-deserved reputation as a creator of provocative work that is both emotionally and intellectually stimulating.
Born in Leipzig, Germany, in 1884, Beckmann lived an international life, studying and working in Weimar, Frankfurt, Paris, and Berlin. Successful almost from his earliest days as a professional artist, he exhibited work to acclaim throughout Europe and America. With the Nazis' rise to power, his style and his subjects became dangerously out of fashion, and he was forced into exile-first to Amsterdam, where he spent World War II, and eventually to the United States, where he died, in New York, in 1950.
Although some scholars have categorized Beckmann as a German Expressionist, he always resisted belonging to any group, asserting that "the greatest danger which threatens mankind is collectivization." He also resisted abstraction, remaining passionately committed to the figure throughout his long career. His paintings have much to say about sex, politics, and religion-which is no doubt why they so outraged the Nazis and no doubt why they have remained so absorbing to new generations of admirers.
About the Modern Masters
With informative, enjoyable texts and over 100 illustrations--approximately 48 in full color--this innovative series offers a fresh look at the most creative and influential artists of the postwar era. The authors are highly respected art historians and critics chosen for their ability to think clearly and write well. Each handsomely designed volume presents a thorough survey of the artist's life and work, as well as statements by the artist, an illustrated chapter on technique, a chronology, lists of exhibitions and public collections, an annotated bibliography, and an index. Every art lover, from the casual museumgoer to the serious student, teacher, critic, or curator, will be eager to collect these Modern Masters. And with such a low price, they can afford to collect them all.

Genres: Art

127 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Peter Selz was a German-born American art historian who specialized in German Expressionism.

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book. I've not done much research on Beckmann, so I can't speak to it's accuracy. My one huge complaint though, is several images, I'd estimate about half of them, are smaller & in black & white. I know color printing is expensive, but still, the quality of the book would be increased drastically with that one change.

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book. I've not done much research on Beckmann, so I can't speak to it's accuracy. My one huge complaint though, is several images, I'd estimate about half of them, are smaller & in black & white. I know color printing is expensive, but still, the quality of the book would be increased drastically with that one change.

[Michael Nash · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess a relatively cheap paperback artbook can only provide limited quality. While there were plenty of pictures here, some even in color, the layout was weird and the text veered wildly between boring descriptions of Beckmann's life and banal commentary on his art. Functional but not great.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well done art survey of Beckmann, with color plates. Great stuff!