26/10/2019 – 16/02/2020

Max Beckmann. The Classen Collection

Augustinermuseum – Haus der Graphischen Sammlung / by Museum für Neue Kunst

Pulsating nightlife, garish music halls and bizarre funfair scenes – the city was an inexhaustible source of inspiration for Max Beckmann (1884–1950). He created his major graphic works in Frankfurt am Main against the backdrop of the impact of the First World War and the glamour of the 1920s. With radical objectivity, he gives expression to the spectacle of life. These works are unique, caricaturing and critical of their time.

The exhibition highlights Beckmann’s graphics, portfolio works and book illustrations from his Frankfurt years. It invites us to take a look at Beckmann’s personal milieu and become acquainted with his good friends. Many of his works were created in close collaboration with women of letters and publishers. Others
reveal his companions – his family, his lover or artist friends.

Over 50 etchings, lithographs and woodcarvings, including Beckmann’s masterly Funfair series are on show. Most of the works belong to the collection of Christa und Wolfgang Classen.