Ballet Dancers 1912

Max Pechstein made this painting of ballet dancers with visible brushstrokes and a vibrant color palette. It's a painting that feels more like a process than a finished thing. The colors are laid down, thick and opaque, with distinct marks. You can almost feel the energy of his hand moving across the canvas. I love how the bright yellow of one dancer's tutu contrasts with the deep reds and blacks of the other, creating a kind of visual rhythm that mirrors the dance itself. Check out how the brushstrokes around the edges are almost like stage curtains, framing the scene. Pechstein, like other expressionists of his time, was likely influenced by artists like Van Gogh, who embraced emotion and directness in their work. This piece is a reminder that art isn't just about perfect representation; it's about feeling, movement, and the joy of making.