Neumann, Max (* 1949) and Eta Bender (*1948), Figurative Composition, around 1970

Max Neumann(* 1949 Saarbrücken) and Eta Bender(*1948 Heidelberg), Figurative Composition , around 1970. Mixed media on tracing paper, mounted on thin backing paper. 29.6 cm x 21 cm, signed “Eta Bender” and “Max Neumann” in pink and orange brush upper right and inscribed in pencil below the image.

- in good condition

- Expressive Signs -

At the lower edge of the painting, a red figure has prostrated himself in an attitude of worship. At the top, a red figure appears like an idol in front of a blue background. Characters dissolved in streaks of color are in the middle, and the numbers 30 to 40, initiated with a stamp, are on the right edge. These numbers have the same colorfulness as the dissolved characters. This rare collaboration between Max Naumann and Eta Bender establishes a network of references that is as mysterious as it is significant, carried by the expressive energy of the figures. Both artists have incorporated their names into the artwork.

About the artist

Max Neumann is one of the most notable contemporary figurative artists.

He began his studies at the Werkkunstschule Saarbrücken in 1969 and transferred to the Kunstakademie Karlsruhe the following year. In 1974, he transferred again, this time to the Berlin Academy of Fine Arts, where he graduated in 1976 as a master student of Martin Engelman. Following his first solo exhibition at Georg Nothelfer's gallery in Berlin, Neumann gained international recognition. Leading galleries in Cologne, Madrid, and Paris now represent the artist, whose work has been shown in over 150 solo exhibitions. In the mid-1970s, Neumann adopted an artistic method that he has consistently practiced independently of the trends of his time. He intuitively creates a pictorial structure with watery colors, which he then consciously forms.

Due to his interest in literature, Neumann cultivated friendly relationships with numerous writers. He illustrated Cees Nooteboom's poetry collection Abschied, published in 2021.

Throughout his career, Max Neumann has received numerous awards. In 1982, he received the Charlottenburg Art Prize; in 1983, he won the BDI Prize; in 1984, he received the Rubens Prize sponsorship award from the City of Siegen; in 1986, he was awarded the Villa Romana Scholarship; in 1991, he won the Art Prize of the Artists in Düsseldorf; in 2003, he received the Iserlohn Art Prize; and in 2004, he won the Grand Prix of the Prince of Monaco.