Artwork
Nightmare
Nightmare is an oil painting by Max Beckmann. It dates from 1903 and is held in the collection of the Hamburger Kunsthalle.
About this work
Overview
Max Beckmann's 1903 painting 'Nightmare' is an oil-on-canvas work currently held at the Hamburger Kunsthalle. It exemplifies the artist's early style, characterized by somber and unsettling themes.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts three shirtless men and a baby in a dimly lit room. One man holds the baby while the others sit or stand nearby. The baby lies on the floor, contributing to the overall sense of unease and tension.
Technique & Style
Beckmann's use of oil paint creates a dark, moody atmosphere, with light entering from the left side of the composition. The somber tone and unusual subject matter reflect Beckmann's tendency to introduce unease into his scenes.
History & Provenance
Created in 1903, 'Nightmare' is an early work by Beckmann, who later became associated with the New Objectivity movement. The painting has been part of the Hamburger Kunsthalle's collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Max Carl Friedrich Beckmann (February 12, 1884 – December 27, 1950) was a German painter, draftsman, printmaker, sculptor, and writer.
