Dream of War (Der Traum vom Krieg)

1946

Max Beckmann

Associated Names
Max Beckmann

Artist, German, 1884 - 1950

The image displays abstract lines and shapes forming a composition resembling a wagon or cart with two large wheels. Inside the cart is a figure with exaggerated limbs and a stylized face. The text "I COME BACK" is inscribed on the side. Abstract shapes above the figure suggest wings or large leaves, adding dynamism to the scene. Etched lines and curves create a texture reminiscent of flowing water or fabric, extending across the scene, suggesting an otherworldly or dreamlike environment. The juxtaposition of recognizable elements like a head, limbs, and wheels with abstract forms invites connections to familiar objects such as a chariot or carriage.
This object’s media is not available for download. Contact us about image usage.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    lithograph in black

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mrs. Max Beckmann

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 30 x 40 cm (11 13/16 x 15 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1984.64.77

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hofmaier 1990, no. 366, State Bb

  • Series Title

    Day and Dream: X [Gallwitz 288-303; 1984.64.68-82]

Associated Artworks

See all 15 artworks
The image is a portrait of a man from the chest up. He is seated with his hand under his chin in a thoughtful pose, looking serious. The man has deep-set eyes, a strong brow, short hair hidden by a beret, and wears a collared shirt and suit jacket. There is no visible jewelry. In the background, there are sketch-like lines adding texture. The artwork is in black and white.

Self-Portrait

Max Beckmann

1946

The image shows a book cover with a textured greyish-blue appearance and a centered illustration on a beige panel. The illustration includes a globe, an hourglass, and an object resembling a piece of a shoe or foot arranged in a simple sketch style. The text on the beige panel reads "DAY AND DREAM XV LITHOGRAPHS" at the top and "MAX BECKMANN" at the bottom. The color palette is muted, primarily involving shades of grey, beige, and black. The sketch is positioned at the center of the cover, creating a visual focal point in the otherwise uniform background.

Day and Dream (Tag und Traum)

Max Beckmann

1946

The image shows curving lines and spiral shapes forming an abstract figure of a woman with a mermaid-like tail. Nearby, a large bird is captured by the figure's extended hands. Two smaller bird-like shapes are below. In the background, an abstract sailboat and horizon line are visible.

Weather Vane (Wetterfahne)

Max Beckmann

1946

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

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

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1998

  • Powers of Protest and Persuasion: The Role of the Artist in War, Daura Gallery, Lynchburg College, 1998-1999.

Bibliography

1962

  • Gallwitz, Klaus. Max Beckmann. Die Druckgraphik, Radierungen, Lithographien, Holzschnitte. Karlsruhe: Badischer Kunstverein, 1962.

1990

  • Hofmaier, James. Max Beckmann, Catalogue raisonné of his Prints. 2 vols. Bern: Gallery Kornfeld, 1990.

Inscriptions

lower left in graphite: 12/90; lower center in graphite: X; lower right in graphite: Beckmann

Wikidata ID

Q74066013

You may be interested in

Loading Results