Max Slevogt - Three sketches from the war diary

Max Slevogt became famous above all for his paintings oriented towards French Impressionism. With just a few strong, quick brushstrokes, he captures the lighting and moods in these paintings like a snapshot of time. He also painted his adopted home, the Palatinate, in countless variations.

Due to the extensive holdings, including the spectacular new acquisition of his graphic estate in 2014, the artist is considered an absolutely unique attribute of our museum. The basis of the holdings was the acquisition by the state of Rhineland-Palatinate of 121 paintings in 1971 from the direct estate of Max Slevogt. Ever since, the collection has been steadily expanded through specific acquisitions − of course also with the support of the Association of Friends − donations and foundations as well as permanent loans.

The three pencil drawings acquired by the Association of Friends come from a war diary of the artist from 1914; he always had this diary with him during his work as a war artist. The drawings have the following themes: In front of the German commandant’s office in Douai (19.10.1914), Prince Leopold of Bavaria observes the French position at Arras (20.10.1914) and Column shifts at the Port de Valenciennes in Douai (31.10.1914).