Lithograph on cream wove paper
Germany, 1946
Max Beckmann (1884-1950) – German artist associated with Expressionism
Signed and inscribed in pencil lower margin ‘XII Beckmann’
Numbered in pencil lower left ‘57/90’
Plate 12 from Day and Dream portfolio
Published by Curt Valentin, New York
Gallwitz 301
Sheet dimensions: 15 7/8 x 11 ¾ in. (40.3 x 29.8 cm.)
Very good condition
Provenance: St. Louis Art Museum; Private Collection, New York

Commissioned by New York gallerist Curt Valentin, this portfolio was Beckmann’s first attempt in printmaking in four years, and also his last. Representing the real versus the imaginary, “Day and Dream” weaves autobiographical elements with biblical and mythological tales and scenes of sexual conflict. The work presented here, “Circus (Zirkus)” demonstrates the artist’s vision of the world as a circus or theater with an amalgamation of figures and objects. Together, the fifteen lithographs sum up a lifetime of his artistic themes.

Executed in 1946, this lithograph on cream wove paper is signed, inscribed and numbered fifty-seven from an edition of ninety. Pencil notations from the St. Louis Art Museum on the inside of mat, including inventory number. Published by Curt Valentin, New York, the sheet measures 15 7/8 x 11 ¾ inches. In overall good condition with no evidence of tears or repairs.

Max Beckmann (German, 1884-1950)

One of the most important German artists of the 20th century, Max Beckmann was an Expressionist painter, though he rejected both the term and the movement. Born in Leipzig, Beckmann taught himself to paint by imitating the masters such as van Gogh, Rembrandt, Rubens and Cézanne. Beckmann enjoyed great success as a painter during the Weimar Republic, teaching at Städelschule Academy of Fine Art in Frankfurt. When the Nazis rose to power in 1933, he was removed from his teaching position and moved to Berlin, Amsterdam, and Paris, eventually emigrating to the United States. Although he worked primarily in oil on canvas – including his secular triptych paintings – Beckmann also experimented with sculpture, printmaking and drawing. His works have been the subject of exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Guggenheim Museum, New York, and the Art Institute of Chicago.