Beckmann, Max

Born Leipzig, February 12, 1884; died New York City, December 27, 1950

82.214 Portrait of Zeretelli

1924

Etching, sheet: 11 x 8 7/8" (28 x 20); composition: 7 1/2 x 5 1/2' (18.5 x 14 cm)

Signed, lr: Max Beckmann

Part of Ganymed-Mappe Jg. 3 (1924)

.

82.214 Portrait of Zeretelli

1924

Etching, sheet: 11 x 8 7/8" (28 x 20); composition: 7 1/2 x 5 1/2' (18.5 x 14 cm)

Signed, lr: Max Beckmann

Part of Ganymed-Mappe Jg. 3 (1924)

Portrait of Zeretelli 1924

 Ever the actor, Beckmann was always interested in portrayals of the theater and the circus, and he made many portraits of actors and performers. One of his most frequent sitters was Russian actor Nikolai Michailowitsch Zeretelli (1890-1942), a leading member of the Moscow Chamber Theater from 1916 to 1928. Zeretelli was, by all accounts, a Caucasian prince. One of his most important roles was that of the harlequin–the theatrical persona that no doubt caused Beckmann’s initial attraction to him. In this simple portrait print, which reveals Beckmann’s characteristic use of incisive, crisp lines, Zeretelli is depicted with the mocking smirk and penetrating eyes often associated with the image of the clown who, as the supposed fool, observes the foolish world.