Max Pechstein
An Adventure into Expressionism
Max Pechstein, Abend im Hafen von Leba, 1951 
Max Pechstein, Die Unterhaltung, 1920
This comprehensive retrospective showcases major works from several creative periods of Hermann Max Pechstein (1881 – 1955).
Alongside Dresden and Berlin, fishing villages on the Baltic coast were his most important creative venues. His works were presented to the Berlin public from 1913 onwards at the Fritz Gurlitt art salon. In addition, Wolfgang Gurlitt, owner of the gallery since 1907, sponsored Pechstein’s journey to the South Seas. Once he arrived on the Palau Islands, the Expressionist painter sought a life in harmony with nature, but the First World War brought his adventure to a premature close. After the war, Pechstein rediscovered his creative energy in Berlin. In 1937, over 500 of his artworks were confiscated by the Nazis as part of their “Degenerate Art” campaign. Motifs from his South Sea voyage, painted from memory, reappeared in his later work in vibrant colours.
In a section focusing specifically on Linz, the exhibition highlights Pechstein’s special relationship with Wolfgang Gurlitt. Over 100 works – including portraits, paintings of the Baltic Sea and motifs from the South Sea – are on display for the first time in Austria.
Curator: Brigitte Reutner-Doneus
In cooperation with: KUNSTSAMMLUNGEN ZWICKAU Max-Pechstein-Museum, Max Pechstein Stiftung and Institut für Kulturaustausch