Hafen 1911

Max Pechstein painted this harbor scene using oil on canvas with a Fauvist’s love for bold color. The blue in this painting is almost like a physical presence, not just describing the water but really embodying it. Looking at the brushwork, there's this raw energy, an urgency in the way the paint is applied. The strokes are visible, the texture alive, not trying to hide anything. See how the boats are outlined in black, sort of like a stained glass window? The sails are a muted yellow, clashing a little with the darker blues and greens, but it works. Now, focus on the lower left, near the water's edge. There’s a scumble of dark paint, almost like the artist just wiped their brush there, but it adds depth, a sense of unease. It's this kind of directness that feels so modern, so connected to the act of painting itself. It reminds me a little of Kirchner in its raw honesty, that same willingness to leave the messy bits in. Ultimately, it’s a snapshot of a place, a feeling, a moment captured with paint.