Artist: Peter Max
Title: Midnight Profile
Medium: Original Acrylic Painting on Paper
Dimensions: 50" x 38.125"
Year: 1990
Inscription: Signed "Max" on upper right
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
Peter Max's "Midnight Profile" (1990) is a monumental example of the artist's instantly recognizable style, rendered here as an original acrylic painting on paper. At 50 by 38 1/8 inches, the work commands attention through its impressive scale, presenting a bold graphic composition that is at once minimalist in execution yet highly expressive in effect. Max's sweeping brushstrokes and vibrant use of neon-like color accents activate the dark ground, giving the impression of light and movement across the surface.
The composition centers on a series of abstracted facial profiles, outlined through rhythmic, calligraphic marks that simultaneously suggest figuration and dissolve into pure painterly gesture. Against the deep black and gradient background shifting from purple to green, Max's electric palette—ranging from turquoise and violet to luminous pinks—creates a striking contrast that amplifies the work's energy. The framing border, punctuated with small linear strokes, reinforces the sense of balance while also containing the composition's dynamic vitality.
As an original work painted in 1990, "Midnight Profile" exemplifies Peter Max's mature period, when his iconic Pop-inflected aesthetic expanded into more painterly, expressive territory. Unlike his graphic multiples and silkscreens, this painting showcases the directness of Max's hand, each brushstroke carrying the immediacy of the artist's creative gesture. The large size underscores its presence as both an artwork and a visual statement, demonstrating how Max translated his bold graphic vocabulary into singular works on paper.
Signed "Max" in the upper right and accompanied by a gallery certificate of authenticity, this 1990 painting highlights the enduring vibrancy of Peter Max's career. "Midnight Profile" stands as a testament to his ability to merge scale, color, and iconic imagery into compositions that are both contemporary in impact and timeless in appeal.
Note: This piece is currently not framed. The images showing it as framed are mockups to show you how it will look when framed.
About Peter Max
Peter Max (1937–2019) was a German-born American artist whose bold use of color, cosmic imagery, and distinctive graphic style made him one of the most recognizable figures of twentieth-century popular art. His work, which spanned painting, printmaking, sculpture, and design, became synonymous with the psychedelic and countercultural movements of the 1960s, later evolving into a broader visual language that connected fine art with mass culture.
Born Peter Max Finkelstein in Berlin, Max and his family fled Nazi Germany in 1938, eventually settling in Shanghai, where he spent much of his childhood. The years in Shanghai introduced him to an array of visual influences, including vibrant Asian calligraphy and traditional folk art. In 1948, the family immigrated to Haifa, Israel, where Max began formal art training and was exposed to European modernist traditions. A move to Paris followed, where he briefly studied at the École des Beaux-Arts, further expanding his artistic vocabulary. By the mid-1950s, Max and his family had relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where he completed his education at the Art Students League, studying anatomy, composition, and painting under the guidance of Frank J. Reilly.
Max first achieved international recognition in the 1960s, when his cosmic landscapes, radiant color schemes, and fluid line work resonated with the spirit of the era. He became closely associated with the psychedelic movement, producing posters, album covers, and prints that captured the cultural optimism and fascination with space exploration of the period. His iconic "Cosmic 60s" imagery blended celestial motifs, mystical symbolism, and kaleidoscopic palettes, making his work instantly identifiable and widely collected.
In the 1970s and beyond, Max's artistic practice diversified. He shifted from psychedelic imagery toward patriotic themes, particularly through his repeated use of the American flag and portraits of national icons. His work was featured on postage stamps, official event posters, and public commissions, reflecting his role as a cultural ambassador. He created artwork for major events such as the World Cup, the Super Bowl, and the Grammy Awards, and was commissioned by multiple U.S. presidents to produce works tied to national celebrations. This visibility cemented Max's reputation as both a fine artist and a figure in American popular culture.
Max's art also embraced themes of peace, environmentalism, and human potential. He became an outspoken advocate for ecological awareness and humanitarian causes, frequently donating artworks to charities and lending his distinctive style to campaigns supporting environmental protection and world peace. His imagery of doves, hearts, and planetary forms became emblematic of his broader message of optimism and unity.
Over the course of his career, Max exhibited widely at galleries and museums, and his works entered major private and public collections. While his bold graphic aesthetic and commercial collaborations sometimes positioned him at the intersection of fine art and design, his contributions to the visual culture of the twentieth century remain significant. His ability to fuse painterly tradition with popular media allowed him to connect with audiences far beyond the conventional art world.
Peter Max's legacy lies in his unique ability to harness color and form to reflect both personal vision and collective ideals. His imagery continues to evoke the vibrancy of the 1960s while also embodying enduring themes of freedom, imagination, and hope. Through his prolific output and cultural presence, Max became not only a celebrated artist but also a symbol of an era defined by creativity and possibility.
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