Variety Dancer 1909

Max Pechstein made this colour lithograph, titled 'Variety Dancer', around 1909. The work depicts a performer backstage and is rendered with forceful lines and bold colours that evoke the spirit of the Expressionist movement. Made in Germany, the image reflects the dynamic cultural scene of the early 20th century, where the demimonde of cabarets and music halls held a particular fascination for artists. Pechstein, as a member of the group 'Die Brücke', sought to challenge the conservative artistic establishment by embracing subjects drawn from everyday life. They were influenced by non-western art and aimed to infuse their work with raw emotion and a sense of social critique. By portraying a figure from popular entertainment, Pechstein questions the traditional hierarchies of artistic subject matter and suggests the vibrancy and energy of modern urban culture. Researching the history of performance venues and popular culture in Germany at that time helps us to understand the image's significance as an indicator of social change.