Artist: Peter Max
Title: Leaning Sage & Vase
Medium: Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Original
Dimensions: 18" x 24"
Year: 1992
Edition: Original
Inscription: Signed "Max" on front upper corner
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
A rare and striking example of Peter Max's early work, "Leaning Sage & Vase" (1992) stands apart from the artist's more commonly seen compositions. This original acrylic painting on canvas captures Max's signature expressive brushwork, with bold, heavy strokes and incredible texture, adding a sense of depth and movement to the piece. Unlike his later, more prolific periods, Max painted far fewer works during this era, making this an exceptionally rare collector's find.
This composition features a heavily stylized figure leaning dramatically against a column, set beside an oversized vase of flowers. The dynamic pose and dreamlike arrangement reflect Max's signature fusion of surrealism and vibrant energy. The color palette is especially striking, with rich teal, red, and yellow hues standing out against a deep purple background — a testament to Max's mastery of color and contrast.
As a one-of-a-kind original, "Leaning Sage & Vase" is not part of any series, further elevating its rarity and desirability. Signed “Max" in the upper corner and accompanied by a Gallery Certificate of Authenticity, this painting represents an important moment in Max's artistic evolution. Collectors recognize the scarcity of original paintings from this period, and "Leaning Sage & Vase" offers a rare opportunity to own a uniquely textured, boldly colored, and historically significant piece from one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
About Peter Max
Peter Max (b. October 19, 1937 – d. February 29, 2024) was a German-American artist renowned for his vibrant, psychedelic artwork that became synonymous with the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 70s. His distinctive style, characterized by bold colors, cosmic themes, and a fusion of pop art with expressionism, made him one of the most recognizable artists of his era.
Early Life and Influences
Born in Berlin, Germany, as Peter Max Finkelstein, Max's early life was shaped by global influences. His family fled Nazi Germany and embarked on a journey that took them through China, Israel, and France before settling in Brooklyn, New York, in 1953. This exposure to diverse cultures, landscapes, and artistic traditions played a crucial role in shaping his artistic vision.
As a young man, Max studied at the Art Students League of New York, where he was deeply influenced by classical painting techniques. However, he was equally drawn to modern movements like Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art. The explosion of color and commercial appeal in Pop Art, pioneered by artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, provided Max with a foundation to develop his own unique aesthetic.
Rise to Fame in the 1960s and 70s
By the late 1960s, Peter Max had become a cultural icon. His psychedelic, space-inspired imagery resonated with the era's fascination with exploration, both cosmic and spiritual. His artwork appeared on posters, album covers, and advertisements, cementing his reputation as the leading pop artist of the time. Max's distinctive color palette and surreal compositions were widely embraced by the hippie movement, and his work was featured in magazines, television, and even on U.S. postage stamps.
One of his most notable contributions to pop culture came in 1969 when he was commissioned to create official posters for the Woodstock music festival, further embedding his legacy in the era's artistic and cultural movements.
Later Career and Legacy
Max's career continued to flourish beyond the 70s. His ability to blend commercial success with fine art set him apart from many of his contemporaries. He created iconic works for major events, including the Super Bowl, the Olympics, and even official portraits of U.S. Presidents. His reinterpretation of the Statue of Liberty became one of his most famous series, symbolizing freedom and optimism.
Despite his enormous success, Max's later years were marred by legal battles and personal struggles. Issues related to his mental health, exploitation by business associates, and lawsuits over the management of his estate created controversy. However, his impact on the art world remains undeniable.
Max's art is housed in numerous museum collections and continues to be celebrated for its boundless energy, optimism, and revolutionary use of color. His influence extends beyond the art world into fashion, advertising, and graphic design, making him one of the most enduring figures in contemporary pop art.