Evening 1919

Max Pechstein created this woodcut titled ‘Evening’. As part of the Expressionist group ‘Die Brücke’ – The Bridge – Pechstein sought a more direct, emotive artistic language, turning away from traditional academic styles. This artwork, with its bold lines and stark contrasts, reflects that ethos. The scene depicts figures with cattle under a radiating sun. Considering the period of its creation, one can't ignore the growing sense of unease and alienation in early 20th-century Germany. Pechstein, like his peers, was grappling with the rapid industrialization and urbanization that were reshaping society. There is something deeply felt about the connection between humanity and nature. ‘Evening’ evokes both the harsh realities and the pastoral dreams of a society on the brink of profound change.