Max Liebermann

A German artist and graphic artist of Jewish origin, one of the main representatives of Impressionism in Germany. He worked in the style of impressionism. Earlier periods of creativity are characterized by Realism with
Elements of naturalism.

Born into the family of wealthy Jewish industrialist Louis Lieberman.

Max Lieberman became one of the founders of the Berlin Secession – the organization of artists who opposed themselves to officially recognized academic art. He bought paintings by Manet and Degas, wrote a number of articles in defense of Impressionism. In recent years, Liebermann served as the president of the Berlin Academy of Arts.

Key ideas:

– The favorite motive of the artist at the early stage of his career is physical labor. The main characters of the paintings are workers, lumberjacks, women engaged in sewing, and even plucking geese. Pictures made in restrained, dark colors tell about the real life of ordinary people, without embellishment, but also without intentionally thickening negative gloomy colors. Looking at these canvases, a viewer does not feel disgust or compassion. He sees only life in its natural and ordinary flow.

– The artist’s painting style underwent significant changes throughout his career. Starting with paintings in a rather dark range of colors used, depicting everyday work, and ending with airy and sun-filled impressionism. At the same time, the artist always remained true to himself, depicting the world around him with its inherent Realism and a special sense of harmony.

– Under the influence of Impressionism, which originated in France and surely spread throughout Europe, Max Lieberman changed both the style of painting and the plots of his paintings. The master’s Impressionistic canvases attract with a peculiar play of light and shadow. Pictures are saturated with light and air.

– The main theme of the artist’s works is secular entertainment, outdoor recreation, with family.