Who painted Sketches of Men, including Max Liebermann?

Sketches of Men, including Max Liebermann was painted by Lovis Corinth in 1915.

Where can I see Sketches of Men, including Max Liebermann?

Sketches of Men, including Max Liebermann is held by National Gallery of Art.

Artwork

Sketches of Men, including Max Liebermann

Lovis Corinth , 1915

Sketches of Men, including Max Liebermann is an ink print by Lovis Corinth. It dates from 1915 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1915, this black‑ink etching by German artist Lovis Corinth presents a group of male figures, among them the painter Max Liebermann. The composition is informal, with a central, larger figure crossing his arms and several smaller, gestural sketches surrounding him. The work reflects Corinth’s interest in quick, expressive drawing rather than finished detail.

Subject & Meaning

The etching captures a gathering of men, likely representing artists or acquaintances, with Liebermann identifiable among the loosely rendered forms. The central figure’s posture conveys a sense of confidence or contemplation, while the surrounding sketches suggest a spontaneous study of character and presence.

Technique & Style

Executed in black ink through the etching process, the piece features swift, unfinished lines and varied degrees of detail—one face rendered with clarity, others reduced to mere outlines. The paper’s worn appearance indicates a practice sheet, emphasizing Corinth’s rapid, expressive approach that aligns with his post‑stroke shift toward a more gestural style.

History & Provenance

Lovis Corinth, trained in Paris and Munich, led the Berlin Secession after Max Liebermann. Following a debilitating stroke in 1911, his work moved away from naturalistic detail toward a more expressionist aesthetic, a transition evident in this etching. The piece dates from the later stage of his career, reflecting his evolving artistic concerns.