His Most Famous Woodcut (Kopf) - Max Kaus

By: Annette Labedzki

German artist Max Kaus was born in March of the year 1891, in Berlin. He was credited with pioneering 'Expressionism' in Germany. His genre of art was marked by the simplification of realistic subjects in a manner that added a mystical appeal to them. His treatment of reality was also characterized by a degree of exaggeration to capture the underlying intensity of their being. Kaus was as dexterous a print maker and graphic artist, as he was a painter. His work was a true epitome of 'Modern Art' in its most striking form. One of his most celebrated works was "Kopf."

"Kopf" is a woodcut print work, created in the year 1920. It is a dichromatic design in black and white printed on 10 9/16" X 7 7/8" wove paper medium. It is now a part of a private collection in Los Angeles, California. Kopf is a German word, meaning 'head.' As the title suggests, the subject of "Kopf" is based upon a head, widely believed to be Kaus' own. In 1920, he joined the 'Freie Sezession Movement' that strongly bolstered 'Expressionism.' Therefore, "Kopf" commemorates the peak of 'Expressionist' finesse in Max's carrier.

This unique piece, "Kopf," with even margins on the four sides, has a striped appearance dabbed in rich black ink. The painter has given his identity to it by printing his signatures, against the customary hand signature. One of the remarkable features of "Kopf" is that despite it being a woodprint, it has definitive details of facial expressions, clothing, hair, and eyes. At the same time, it has a backdrop with exactly the same pattern as the frontal 'head,' yet created in such a way that it does not blend with the figure. The eyes form the focal point of the print, which point diagonally downwards. These eyes along with the grotesque color scheme, point towards a gloomy mood of the 'head.' The 'frown lines' on the forehead, giving an impressive of a pensive state, further accentuate this.

"Kopf" was originally produced for 'Genius,' a magazine for seminal and expectant art that was published for three years around 1920s. "Kopf" is considered a signature work belonging to league of second generation 'Expressionists.' The portrayal of simplicity with a dominant force, continues to mesmerize its viewers and its reprints still hold a strong market presence until date.

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Annette Labedzki received her BFA at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. She has more than 25 years experience. She is the founder and developer of an online art gallery featuring original art from all over the world. It is a great site for art collectors to buy original art. Is is also a venue for artists to display and sell their art . Artists can join for free and their image upload is unlimited. Please visit the website at www.Labedzki-Art.com Annette has bonus offers on her work only. Buy 2 paintings of any size and receive 1 painting of your choice for free of equal size and value. SHIPPING IS FREE IN CANADA AND US ON SMALLER ITEMS. Please feel free to subscribe to her newsletter at www.Labedzki-Art.com

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