Gewitter
Artist
Max Pechstein
(German, 1881-1955)
CultureGerman
Date1922
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions24 1/8 × 23 1/8 in. (61.3 × 58.7 cm)
Overall, Frame: 45 1/4 × 37 1/2 × 2 1/4 in. (114.9 × 95.3 × 5.7 cm)
Overall, Frame: 45 1/4 × 37 1/2 × 2 1/4 in. (114.9 × 95.3 × 5.7 cm)
InscribedSigned at lower right "H. M. Pechstein"; "Gewitter, M. Pechstein, 22 and 1922" on reverse.
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number71.2229
On View
Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 219
Label TextMax Pechstein German, 1881–1955 Gewitter, 1922 Run for cover! Gewitter means “thunderstorm” in German, and in this nighttime scene, bolts of lightning flash in the sky. The jagged lines, amplified by bold color and dramatic contrast, perfectly express the nervous energy that Max Pechstein loved to show in his work. Not everyone appreciated his innovative style. His art was labeled “degenerate” by the Nazi government in 1937 and removed from German museums, and he lost his position as an art professor. Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.2229 ProvenanceNeue Kunst Hans Goltz (New Art Gallery of Hans Goltz), Munich, Germany, 1922-23; Galerie Ketterer, Munich, 1960; Sotheby's London, 1963, Lot # 81; Christie's London, 1969, Lot # 69; Sotheby's Parke Bernet New York, 1970, Lot # 61; Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., 1971. Exhibition HistoryNeue Kunst Hans Goltz, Munich, Germany
