Seated Figure 1951 - 1952

Max Weber created this woodcut, "Seated Figure," during a period of intense artistic and social change. This print reflects the artist's engagement with Primitivism, a movement popular among European and American artists in the early 20th century. These artists were fascinated by what they saw as the raw, authentic power of non-Western art. Weber, like many of his contemporaries, looked to African and Oceanic sculpture for inspiration. Consider the simplified forms and the figure's stylized features. This aesthetic was not just about visual style; it was a statement about the perceived limitations of Western academic art and a search for new forms of expression. Weber challenges traditional artistic values and explores the potential of non-Western art. To fully understand this work, we need to consider the cultural context in which it was made. Researching the history of Primitivism and the social attitudes that shaped it will give us a better idea of this piece.