Killing of the Banquet Roast 1912

Max Pechstein's woodcut, "Killing of the Banquet Roast," depicts a scene of primal instinct and human interaction. Executed in 1912, the artwork showcases the artist's signature bold colors and simplified forms, characteristic of the German Expressionist movement. The vibrant hues, particularly the vivid red and green, heighten the tension in the composition, suggesting a raw and immediate sense of emotion. Two figures recline in the foreground, while a third figure, positioned to the left, appears to be engaged in a ritualistic act, perhaps hunting or sacrificing. The two birds perched on the tree symbolize the presence of the natural world and act as a reminder of life's fragility.