Paper

Student Artwork Guide

The King

Name Class Date

Max Beckmann, The King (1937). Public domain.

The facts

Artist
Max Beckmann topimpressionists.com/en/artists/max-beckmann/
Artist’s dates
1884 – 1950
Painted
1937
Medium
Acrylic
Original size
135 x 100 cm
Movement
Expressionist Painting
Artistic style
Theatricality & Dignity
Influences
Cézanne, Van Gogh
Notable elements
Crown, child, pink attire
Subject
Inner Drama

In context

The King — Max Beckmann

How big is it?

The original measures 135 × 100 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1880
  2. 1890
  3. 1900
  4. 1910
  5. 1920
  6. 1930
  7. 1940
  8. 1950

Shaded: the lifetime of Max Beckmann (1884–1950) ▲ this work, 1937

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/max-beckmann-the-king-8LSVXB-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Black #140f0b

    Catalogued palette

    • #140F0B
    • #4E3C2A
    • #C4AAA0
    • #92774B
    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Black
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Statement How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Discordant Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Deep_shadow How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Subtle Color How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    About this artwork

    The King — Max Beckmann

    Max Beckmann's The King, created in 1937, is a captivating oil on canvas painting that embodies the essence of Expressionism. This artwork, measuring 135 x 100 cm, is currently housed at the Saint Louis Art Museum in the United States.

    Artistic Evolution and Inspiration

    Beckmann worked tirelessly on The King, submitting it to the Carnegie International exhibition in San Francisco from 1934-35. Although it did not win a prize, this setback prompted him to make significant changes before finally signing the piece in Amsterdam in 1937. The painting's history is crucial as some critics have interpreted it as an allusion to the "despot" of the time, suggesting it was Beckmann's first work created in exile. However, the resemblance between the king and Beckmann himself negates any direct reference to a specific tyrant. Instead, the artwork delves into the inner drama of a proud, powerful, yet benign individual.

    Composition and Symbolism

    The painting features a man wearing a crown, seated with a child on his lap, accompanied by two other figures in the background. All three individuals are dressed in pink attire, creating a sense of unity and togetherness. A dog is prominently positioned near the center of the image, while a chair is visible in the background, adding depth to the composition. The king's features bear a striking resemblance to Beckmann's own, although it was not intended as a formal self-portrait. The distinctive collar with triangular flaps, often associated with clown and harlequin costumes, suggests that the ominous scene might be part of a play. This blend of reality and theatricality is characteristic of Beckmann's unique style.

    Expressionism and Artistic Legacy

    Max Beckmann was a prominent figure in the Expressionist movement, known for his ability to convey intense emotions through his art. The King exemplifies this by capturing the inner turmoil and dignity of its subject. Beckmann's work is a testament to the power of Expressionism in exploring the human experience. For those interested in learning more about Max Beckmann and his contributions to Expressionism, visit /art/list/?Filter=Max-Beckmann for a comprehensive overview of his life and works. Additionally, explore the detailed page on "The King" to delve deeper into the painting's history and significance.

    Conclusion

    The King by Max Beckmann is a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of Expressionism, blending reality with theatrical elements. Its rich history and symbolism make it a compelling piece for art enthusiasts and scholars alike. As part of the Saint Louis Art Museum's collection, this painting continues to inspire and intrigue audiences. For those who appreciate the beauty of handmade oil paintings, AllPaintingsStore offers high-quality reproductions of Beckmann's works, including The King. Visit https://AllPaintingsStore.com to explore their extensive collection and bring a piece of art history into your home.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Max Beckmann

    Born in Leipzig, Germany

    early life and artistic development

    max beckmann, a renowned german painter, draftsman, printmaker, sculptor, and writer, was born on february 12, 1884, in leipzig, saxony. his artistic journey began with academically correct depictions, which later transformed into distorted figures and spaces, reflecting his altered vision of humanity after serving as a medical orderly in world war i.

    artistic style and influences

    beckmann's style, rooted in the imagery of medieval stained glass, was influenced by various artists, including cézanne, van gogh, blake, rembrandt, and rubens. he also drew inspiration from northern european artists of the late middle ages and early renaissance, such as bosch, bruegel, and matthias grünewald.

    notable works and exhibitions

    the bark (acquired by the national gallery in berlin) self-portrait in tuxedo (purchased in 1928) * retrospectives at the städtische kunsthalle mannheim (1928) and in basle and zurich (1930)

    later life and exile

    beckmann's fortunes changed with the rise of adolf hitler, leading to his dismissal from the art school in frankfurt and the confiscation of over 500 of his works. he lived in self-imposed exile in amsterdam for ten years, failing to obtain a visa for the united states.

    legacy

    taught at the art schools of washington university in st. louis and the brooklyn museum first retrospective in the united states took place in 1948 at the city art museum, saint louis * max-slevogt galerie, germany, features a collection of his works

    max-slevogt galerie, germany

    history of painting

    max beckmann's artworks on AllPaintingsStore

    key dates: born: february 12, 1884 died: december 27, 1950

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for The King

    topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/max-beckmann-the-king-8LSVXB-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Beckmann, Max. The King. 1937, https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/max-beckmann-the-king-8LSVXB-en/
    APA
    Beckmann, Max (1937). The King [Painting]. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/max-beckmann-the-king-8LSVXB-en/
    Chicago
    Max Beckmann. The King. 1937. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/max-beckmann-the-king-8LSVXB-en/
    Harvard
    Beckmann, Max (1937) The King. Available at: https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/max-beckmann-the-king-8LSVXB-en/

    Look closely

    The King — Max Beckmann

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: portraiture, family, crown. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at The Night (1919), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Max Beckmann was about 53 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.