Pechstein visited Paris in 1908 and there experienced first-hand the work of the Fauve artists in the circle of Henri Matisse, and was particularly effected by the work of Van Dongen. As a result his style changed significantly. His forms were greatly simplified, he drew lines economically and added bright, pure colours to infuse into his work an immediacy and directness which would initiate an immediate response amongst his German contemporaries. Zwei Mädchen in der Hängematte demonstrates exactly these elements. The figures of the two women are outlined in swift, sketchy strokes, the background barely indicated. Pure, bright dashes of blue, green, pink and yellow breathe life into the scene and sharpen the overall effect, although all detail is eliminated to retain the freshness of the impression.
Max Pechstein has kindly confirmed the authenticity of this work.