Page 9 - The MoMA/ Guggenheim issue of World of Art magazine (2003)

group, cultivating the image of an isolated figure within the history of modern art. nevertheless, his work after
the first world war had strong affinities with german expressionism and cubism. during the 1920s beckmann
was regarded as a forerunner of new objectivity (neue sachlichkeit), and a decade later incorporated abstract

elements in his paintings. his ability to respond to artistic challenges ensured the continuing vitality of his art.

this retrospective provides a largely chronological overview of beckmann’s artistic career. it focuses on three

pivotal periods: 1918-23, 1927-32 and the late 1930s into the 1940s. the first period reflects the impact of the
first world war, during which beckmann served as a medical orderly. by contrast, the second period is colored
by prosperity and public recognition. the final period is once again marked by the experience of war. under the
nazi regime beckmann was classified as a ‘degenerate’ artist and fled to amsterdam in 1937. even though this
was a time of privation, isolation and anxiety, it was one of beckmann’s most productive periods. the exhibition

ends with beckmann in america, where, in the last three years of his life, he once again achieved widespread
recognition as a major force in modern art.

ma x beckmann
the sInkIng oF the tItanIc 1912-13
oil on canVas 265 x 330 cm
courtesy of the saint louis art museum; request of morton d. may
© Vg bild-kunst, bonn/dacs 2002

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