Artwork
Sleeping Woman on the Beach
Sleeping Woman on the Beach is an oil painting by the German Expressionist artist Max Beckmann. It dates from 1938 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Canada.
About this work
Overview
Sleeping Woman on the Beach is a 1938 oil painting by Max Beckmann, a German artist known for his diverse creative output.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a woman reclining on a beach, wearing a blue swimsuit and shoes, in a pose suggesting relaxation or sleep. Despite the tranquil subject, the work's tone is characteristic of Beckmann's late 1930s output, often marked by somber or unsettling undertones.
Technique & Style
The painting features bold brushstrokes and vivid colors, creating a sense of energy. Beckmann's use of oil paint allows for expressive rendering of the subject and background, which includes a blue sky and sea.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of the National Gallery of Canada's collection. Beckmann's work from this period is associated with German Expressionism, although he distanced himself from the label and its connotations.
Artist & collection
Artist
Max Carl Friedrich Beckmann (February 12, 1884 – December 27, 1950) was a German painter, draftsman, printmaker, sculptor, and writer.
