Circus (Zirkus)

1946

Max Beckmann

Associated Names
Max Beckmann
Artist, German, 1884 - 1950
The image shows an abstract composition of curved and angular lines. In the center, there is a figure with bent legs and elongated arms, wearing a detailed hat and facial features. Next to this figure is a person riding a bicycle with a large bottle labeled "MELK." Below, there are intertwining forms that suggest human figures in dynamic positions, one of whom is holding a paper. The lines create a sense of movement and connection between the elements.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    lithograph in black

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mrs. Max Beckmann

  • Dimensions

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

  • Accession Number

    1984.64.79

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hofmaier 1990, no. 368, State Bb

  • Series Title

    Day and Dream: XII [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

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: XII; lower right in graphite: Beckmann

Wikidata ID

Q74066019

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