Max Kaus

Max Kaus (March 11, 1891 – August 7, 1977) was a German expressionist painter and graphic artist. Born in Berlin, Kaus initially trained as a decorative painter. He became associated with the Berlin Secession and later with the Novembergruppe, an association of radical artists and architects.

Kaus's artistic style evolved from early post-impressionist influences to a distinctive expressionist style characterized by bold colors, distorted figures, and a sense of psychological tension. His work often depicted urban landscapes, circus scenes, and portraits, reflecting the anxieties and dynamism of modern life.

Following World War I, Kaus's art took on a more somber tone, reflecting the trauma and disillusionment of the era. His later works explored themes of alienation, mortality, and the fragility of human existence.

Kaus was persecuted by the Nazi regime and labeled a "degenerate artist." Many of his works were confiscated, and he was forbidden from exhibiting. After World War II, he resumed his artistic career and taught at the Hochschule für Bildende Künste in Berlin. He is considered an important figure in German expressionism, known for his powerful and often unsettling depictions of the human condition.