Max Liebermann

Galerie Thannhauser, Berlin & Luzern
Private Collection, Frankfurt (acquired in the 1960s)
Acquired from the above by the present owner (circa 1997)

Max Liebermann's Blumenstauden im Nutzgarten nach Südwesten, painted circa 1928, depicts the artist's garden at his house on the Wannsee near Berlin. Having attained considerable recognition as an artist, followed by financial success, the artist spared no expense on his garden with formal flower beds, exotic shrubs and thick hedges. The path in the foreground leads the viewer's eye past the bushes and flowers painted in free-flowing, impressionistic brush-strokes. The artist's brilliant use of thick impasto paint highlights the texture of the lush flower blossoms. Liebermann found a constant source of inspiration in the Wannsee garden, whereby the present work shines in its bold colours and free execution of brushwork, making it one of Liebermann's most dynamic garden views.