Verbitterung (Bitterness) (plate 3) from Stadtnacht (City Night)

1920, published 1921

Max Beckmann

Associated Names
Max Beckmann

Artist, German, 1884 - 1950

Lili von Braunbehrens

Author, German, active 20th century

Knorr & Hirth

Printer

Dr. C Wolf & Sohn

Printer

Verlag R. Piper & Co.

Publisher

The image is a pen and ink drawing on the right page of an open book. It shows the upper body of a person from the side, seated with their head turned slightly toward the viewer. The person is positioned in profile with a visible long nose, defined jawline, and closed lips. They are wearing a cap covering their hair and a garment with broad shoulders. A small beaded necklace is around their neck. In their lap or hand, they hold a piece of paper or card depicting a reclining figure. The background behind the person features architectural elements, including windows of a building, indicating an outdoor environment. The left page of the book contains faint illegible text. The drawing's sketchiness and the lined texture of the paper convey a vintage or antique feel.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    lithograph from a bound volume with seven lithographs on laid paper (including title page)

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mrs. Max Beckmann

  • Dimensions

    page size: 27.2 × 22.5 cm (10 11/16 × 8 7/8 in.)
    open: 27.8 × 45.3 cm (10 15/16 × 17 13/16 in.)
    closed: 27.8 × 23 cm (10 15/16 × 9 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1984.64.83.4

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hofmaier 1990, no. 164, State -170 C

  • Volume Title

    Stadtnacht (City Night)

Associated Artworks

See all 7 artworks
The image is a drawing on a book page showing an urban scene viewed from a window with various characters and buildings. The drawing depicts a cityscape with a view of some buildings and three figures looking out from a window. The lines are sharp and the style is sketch-like. Handwritten text above and below the drawing adds a personal touch. The use of perspective shows a glimpse into the setting combining buildings with a scene at the window.

Titelblatt (title page) from Stadtnacht (City Night)

Max Beckmann, Lili von Braunbehrens, Knorr & Hirth, Dr. C Wolf & Sohn, Verlag R. Piper & Co.

1920

The image features a pattern composed of circular and crescent shapes along with shooting star-like forms and star motifs, all interwoven in an abstract design.

Stadtnacht (City Night)

Max Beckmann, Lili von Braunbehrens, Knorr & Hirth, Dr. C Wolf & Sohn, Verlag R. Piper & Co.

1920

This drawing depicts an abstract scene with various figures. The central illustration shows several figures wearing formal attire surrounding a table. The style features sharp, angular lines and exaggerated features, giving the scene a sense of dynamic energy and tension. The figures have distorted, caricature-like proportions, creating a chaotic and intense atmosphere. The sparse shading emphasizes the linear quality of the drawing, contributing to the overall abstract and expressive feel.

Trinklied (Drinking Song) (plate 1) from Stadtnacht (City Night)

Max Beckmann, Lili von Braunbehrens, Knorr & Hirth, Dr. C Wolf & Sohn, Verlag R. Piper & Co.

1920

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Mrs. Max Beckmann, Peoria; gift to NGA, 1984.

Associated Names

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