Primitive Figure

1921-1925 (published 1956)

Max Weber

Associated Names
Max Weber

Artist, American, born Russia (now Poland), 1881 - 1961

The Spiral Press

Printer

Joseph Blumenthal

Printer, American, 1897 - 1990

Weyhe Gallery

Publisher

The image displays a collection of curvilinear and angular shapes enclosed within a tall rectangle. These shapes create a dynamic composition without any representational subject matter. Light and dark areas contribute to the contrast and depth of the image. The overall style resembles geometric abstraction, reminiscent of cubist art.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    woodcut in black on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Jack and Margrit Vanderryn

  • Dimensions

    image: 25.4 × 7.94 cm (10 × 3 1/8 in.)
    sheet: 31.75 × 22.86 cm (12 1/2 × 9 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2015.114.55

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Rubenstein 2013, no. 40

Associated Artworks

See all 5 artworks
The image shows angular and curved lines forming abstract shapes resembling three human-like figures. The figures have elongated facial features and expressive eyes. The central figure appears to be pointing to an open book-like shape. The composition suggests individuals engaged in a discussion or presentation, perhaps in a setting related to reading or storytelling. The lines and shapes create depth and interaction among the figures, merging familiar elements with an abstract motif.

Feast of Passover

Max Weber, The Spiral Press, Joseph Blumenthal, Weyhe Gallery

1920

Five Prints by Max Weber

Max Weber, The Spiral Press, Joseph Blumenthal, Weyhe Gallery

1956

The image shows an abstract human figure from head to feet, in a standing position with hands pressed together in front of the chest. The face has geometric shapes, and the head is slightly bowed. The hair is abstract and continuous above the head. The body is outlined with simple lines, and there are no clothes or adornments on the figure. The background is a textured, dark rectangle, with the artist's signature "Max Weber" at the bottom.

Prayer

Max Weber, The Spiral Press, Joseph Blumenthal, Weyhe Gallery

1920

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Swann Galleries, New York, November 11, 1999, sale 1840, lot 698); Jack and Margrit Vanderryn, Bethesda, Maryland, 1999; acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art

Associated Names

Bibliography

2013

  • Rubenstein, Daryl R. Max Weber: A Catalogue Raisonné of His Graphic Work. San Francisco: Alan Wofsy Fine Arts, 2013, pp. 60, 225-229, fig. 13, no. 40.

Inscriptions

lower right in graphite: Max Weber

Wikidata ID

Q77015837

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