About this artwork

This is the title page of Beckmann’s set of lithographs entitled ‘Hell.’ These lithographs chronicle the period of lawlessness, social decay and misery in Germany following the November Revolution of 1918. Dressed in the ruff of a clown and breaking out of the picture frame towards the viewer, Beckmann himself invites us to follow him on a tour of war-ravaged Germany. A text below the self-portrait states, ‘We ask our esteemed public to step forward. You will not be bored for ten minutes. Anyone who is not delighted gets his money back.’

Updated before 2020

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Max Beckmann

Max Beckmann