Group of two lithographs on cream wove paper
Germany, 1946-1949
Max Beckmann (1884-1950) – German artist associated with Expressionism
‘Weather Vane (Wetterfahne)’ Plate 2 from Day and Dream portfolio; ‘Composition (Komposition)’
‘Weathervane’ signed and inscribed in pencil lower margin ‘To Mokel Christians 1952 from Quappi II from “Day and Dream” Beckmann’
Published by Curt Valentin, New York
‘Komposition’ inscribed in ink lower center ‘Lithograph by my husband Max Beckmann for Helen from Quappi’
Published by Verlag R. Piper & Co., Munich
Each from an edition of 100
Gallwitz 290, 304
‘Weathervane’ sheet dimensions: 15 ¾ x 11 ¾ in. (40 x 29.8 cm.)
‘Komposition’ image dimensions: 7 ½ x 4 in. (19 x 10.2 cm.); Overall dimensions: 16 x 12 ½ in. (40.6 x 31.8 cm.)
Good condition

This group of two lithographs by Max Beckmann were given as gifts by his wife, Mathilde von Kaulbach, nicknamed “Quappi,” and each are signed by her. “Weather Vane” comes from Beckmann’s 1946 “Day and Dream” portfolio commissioned by New York gallerist Curt Valentin. According to Quappi, the weathervane depicted in this print is an actual weathervane that sat atop a house opposite that in which the artist lived. “Composition” features a figure almost identical to that at the left of Dix’s triptych “Acrobats” (1938). With his foot upon a stool, the crowned figure holds a globe. Both lithographs feature an inscription by Quappi to their intended recipients.

“Weather Vane” has tape from previous matting on upper and lower right corners, verso. Otherwise each 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.