Artist: Peter Max
Title: Cosmic Window
Medium: Color Serigraph on Paper
Dimensions: 26" x 36.5"
Year: 1975
Edition: 30/75
Inscription: Signed "Max" on lower front
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
"Cosmic Window" is a vibrant and compelling example of Peter Max's early work, created during a pivotal moment in both American history and the artist's own career. Released in 1975 as part of Max's Bicentennial Series, this color serigraph captures the psychedelic visual language that came to define his signature style. Bursting with bold color fields, dreamlike compositions, and cosmic symbolism, the piece reflects Max's fascination with transcendence, consciousness, and American identity.
The Bicentennial Series marked Max's artistic tribute to the spirit of the United States during its 200th anniversary. While infused with the swirling colors and trippy iconography characteristic of the 1960s and '70s, "Cosmic Window" also resonates with a tone of patriotism that echoes throughout Max's wider body of work. His recurring use of red, white, and blue—along with imagery tied to freedom, exploration, and unity—has long positioned him as one of America's most recognizable pop artists.
Notably, "Cosmic Window" was created at a time when Max had not yet become the highly prolific figure he is known as today. His output in the mid-1970s was far more limited, making works from this era considerably rarer and more desirable to collectors. With an edition size of just 75, this hand-signed and dated serigraph is a scarce and important piece—both in the context of Max's career and the broader American pop art movement.
Whether viewed as a psychedelic daydream, a patriotic homage, or a historical snapshot of 1970s America, "Cosmic Window" remains a powerful visual statement from one of the country's most enduring and iconic artists.
About Peter Max
Peter Max is a German-American artist celebrated for his bold use of color, iconic Pop Art imagery, and vibrant fusion of artistic influences spanning Eastern philosophy, 1960s counterculture, and American patriotism. With a career that has spanned more than six decades, Max has left an indelible mark on the landscape of American visual art and popular culture.
Born in Berlin in 1937, Peter Max and his family fled Nazi Germany when he was a child, eventually settling in Shanghai. There, he was exposed to a melting pot of visual cultures and spiritual traditions—early experiences that would inform the eclectic and mystical style of his future work. His family later moved to Israel, then to Paris, and ultimately to Brooklyn, New York, where Max studied at the Art Students League under the realist Frank Reilly.
Max's artistic breakthrough came in the 1960s, as he embraced the explosion of psychedelia, youth culture, and the American space race. His instantly recognizable style—marked by kaleidoscopic colors, cosmic motifs, and surreal landscapes—struck a chord with a generation seeking new ways to see and experience the world. He quickly became a leading figure in the Pop Art movement, alongside contemporaries like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.
In addition to fine art, Max became a prolific commercial artist, designing everything from album covers and U.S. postage stamps to campaigns for major corporations and environmental causes. Despite his commercial success, he remained committed to a deeply personal and often spiritual vision, frequently referencing themes of peace, freedom, and love in his work.
Max's patriotism is a defining element of his career. He has created portraits of American presidents, reimagined the Statue of Liberty over 500 times, and contributed iconic works for multiple national events, including the Super Bowl, the World Cup, and the 2000 U.S. Presidential Campaign. His art blends the idealism of the American dream with the visual language of the psychedelic era, often incorporating red, white, and blue as recurring elements.
One of Max's most revered periods was the 1970s—a time of quieter production compared to his later years, making artworks from this era rarer and more coveted among collectors. Pieces like "Cosmic Window" (1975), created for his Bicentennial Series, exemplify both the visual exuberance and patriotic spirit that define his best work.
Throughout his life, Max has received numerous accolades, including exhibitions in major museums, such as the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Museum of Modern Art. His work has been collected by celebrities, heads of state, and art enthusiasts around the globe.
Despite facing health challenges in recent years, Peter Max's legacy endures as a cultural touchstone. His art continues to inspire with its message of unity, color, and cosmic possibility—serving as a visual bridge between the idealism of the past and the hope of the future.
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