Playing Children, Broad Format, 1918
Best known for his extraordinary number of self-portraits, Beckmann received great critical acclaim throughout the years of the Weimar Republic, but his art was denounced by the Nazis and, upon Hitler’s ascension to power, rejected as degenerate art. Originally failing to gain a visa to the U.S. and painting in a studio in Amsterdam, Beckmann eventually emigrated after the war to New York. He died there in 1950.
Though Beckmann had experience as a medical orderly in the First World War, and much of his experience is explored graphically in other prints, in the Gesichter portfolio many of the images are of how war has affected those away from the front. This is perhaps no more clearly evidenced than in ‘Playing Children’, in which small children run around in mock battle in the streets. In this scene Beckmann must have in mind the influence of the First World War on children, perhaps the ease with which young men would put themselves forward for battle (and the number of very young men who would then lose their lives in the trenches): in the midst of the conflict, one boy wears a bobble-hat that closely resembles the spiked helms of german soldiers on the front lines, while another in the foreground, with shaved head, cap and knee-high boots, appears as if in uniform.
Delivery & Returns
Free Delivery + Frame
We're delighted to be able to include free framing and UK delivery on most art orders.
Collect from Gallery
We love it when our customers take the trouble to visit us here in Uppingham.
International Delivery + Frame
We offer free framing on most international art orders. Add to basket for delivery options.
Free No Quibble Returns
If, for any reason, you are not happy with your purchase please contact us to arrange return and refund.
-
Our Free Bespoke Delivery
At Goldmark we understand the risks of sending delicate art and ceramics in the post, that’s why we hand package in made to measure boxes, frame and seal every purchase. If you do have an issue with your order, just get in touch with us and we can get it sorted for you as soon as possible.
-
Our Free Bespoke Frames
All eligible orders that include a frame with their delivery will receive a bespoke frame handmade by our dedicated talented team of frame makers. You can learn more about our frame making process here and what makes it so special.
Similar Works
-
A Gallery Supporting Real Artists
Goldmark is proud to have changed the lives of many living artists, enabling them to spend more of their time making pictures, pots and sculpture.READ MORE -
Goldmark is delighted to be a member of the International Fine Print Dealers Association, the Fine Art Trade Guild and the Confederation Internationale de Negociants en Oeuvres d'Art.READ MORE
Recently Viewed
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.