Die Hölle (Hell): Die Familie (The Family)
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About this artwork
This is the final scene from the 'Hell' print portfolio. After previous prints showing chaos and destruction, we end on a more subdued, if sombre, note. Beckmann depicts himself with his mother-in-law and son Peter. Peter wears a soldier's helmet and waves toy grenades. However, his youthful joy contrasts with the solemn face and firm, calming gesture of his grandmother. Beckmann points upwards, either to draw attention to the hellish reality outside, or in a reproach to God. The window frame in the background forms the shape of a cross behind his head.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Max BeckmannGerman (1884 - 1950)
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title:Die Hölle (Hell): Die Familie (The Family)
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date created:1919
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materials:Lithograph
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measurements:87.00 x 61.00 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 1981
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accession number:GMA 2465 K
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gallery:
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subject:
Max Beckmann
Max Beckmann
Beckmann was born in Leipzig. He studied in Weimar and Paris before settling in Berlin. At the outbreak of war he volunteered for the medical corps, but in 1915 suffered a nervous breakdown and was later discharged. After seeing the devastating effects of the war on the people of Germany and on the...