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Max Thalmann Collection
014
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Title: Max Thalmann Collection
Dates: 1912-1944
Collection Number: 014
Creator/Collector:
Thalmann, Max, 1890-1945
Extent: 1 archival document box, 9 flat oversize boxes (16 linear feet)
Repository:
Loyola Marymount University, Department of Archives and Special Collections, William H. Hannon Library
Los Angeles, California 90045-2659
Abstract: The Max Thalmann Collection consists of the art work of this German Expressionist, along with some supplementary materials
on his life.
Language of Material: German
Collection is open to research under the terms of use of the Department of Archives and Special Collections, Loyola Marymount
University.
Materials in the Department of Archives and Special Collections may be subject to copyright. Unless explicitly stated otherwise,
Loyola Marymount University does not claim ownership of the copyright of any materials in its collections. The user or publisher
must secure permission to publish from the copyright owner. Loyola Marymount University does not assume any responsibility
for infringement of copyright or of publication rights held by the original author or artists or his/her heirs, assigns, or
executors.
Max Thalmann Collection. Loyola Marymount University, Department of Archives and Special Collections, William H. Hannon Library
Accession number: 1995.32
Biography/Administrative History
Max Thalmann was a German Expressionist artist who was born in 1890. He died in 1945, in Jena, Germany, shortly before the
end of World War II. Through the years 1912-1933 he was highly regarded by fellow artists and critics for his beautiful drawings
and primarily his woodcuts. He produced three main portfolios of woodcuts--Cathedral ("Der Dom"), Passion, and America--and
he was considered an expert in this medium. He has also been ranked among the foremost artists of the 20th century.
In 1923 he came to the United States and held a small exhibition in Chicago while he visited his brother. He also went to
New York City which became his inspiration for the America series of woodcuts. Upon his return to Europe, he left his collection
with his brother with dreams of someday moving to the United States, but he never did.
During the 1930's his work moved from woodcuts to drawings, watercolors, and pastels; most of which were inspired by a Nile
River trip he took in 1930. Throughout the Nazi period of the 1930's he also designed over 150 books for the Eugen Dieterich
publishing house in Jena, Germany.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Max Thalmann Collection (014) consists of approximately 300 original works of art, including sketches, drawings and prints
(etchings, lithographs, woodcuts, etc.). Supplementing this art are newspaper clippings, exhibit information, correspondence,
reviews, photographic prints and negatives, copies of texts(including several copies of Thalmann's work, "Passion").
His work is a prime example of German Expressionism that haunted the German cultural scene following the devastation of World
War I. Thalmann's art has strong spiritual themes, as well, with studies of Roman Catholic churches ("Der Dom" series).
Expressionism (Art) -- Germany
Thalmann, Max, 1890-1945
Wood-engraving, German -- 20th century -- Specimens
Prints -- Germany -- 20th century -- Specimens
Etching, German -- 20th century -- Specimens
Lithography, German -- 20th century -- Specimens
Drawing, German -- 20th century -- Specimens