Max Pechstein

A prominent German Expressionist painter and printmaker, Max Pechstein is best known for his bold use of colour and association with the influential avant-garde group Die Brücke (‘The Bridge’). Born Hermann Max Pechstein in Zwickau, Germany, in 1881, the artist initially trained as a decorator’s apprentice before studying painting at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts. His exposure to both traditional and experimental techniques played a key role in shaping his later works.

In 1906, Pechstein joined Die Brücke, a collective of young artists, including Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Erich Heckel, Otto Mueller and Emil Nolde, who sought to break free from academic conventions and embrace a more raw, emotional style. Flourished for a short period in Germany before and after World War I, the group’s philosophy revolved around vibrant colours, simplified forms and a return to nature, which aligned with Pechstein’s interests. His early works, like those of his fellow Die Brücke members, were heavily influenced by the expressive use of colour seen in Fauvism and the non-Western art that was gaining attention in Europe at the time.

Pechstein was a prolific traveller, and his experiences abroad significantly influenced his work. A trip to the South Pacific island of Palau in 1914 had a profound impact on his artistic vision, leading to a more dynamic palette and a fascination with primitive forms. The landscapes and cultural motifs from his travels found their way into his paintings, contributing to his distinct style. The freedom in his use of colour, especially in landscapes and scenes of rural life, became a hallmark of his work during this period.

Throughout the 1920s, Pechstein’s work gained widespread recognition. His painting were exhibited widely and acquired by major institutions. He also became a professor at the Berlin Academy of Arts. However, his career faced a serious setback during the Nazi regime, as his art was labelled ‘degenerate’. More than 300 of his works were removed from German museums, and Pechstein was banned from exhibiting.

After World War II, Pechstein continued to paint, producing a prolific body of work throughout his career. Max Pechstein died in 1955, aged 73.