**List of works by August Macke**
**Definition**
The list of works by August Macke comprises the paintings, drawings, and graphic art created by the German Expressionist painter August Macke (1887–1914), whose oeuvre is noted for its vibrant color, innovative use of light, and synthesis of various modernist styles. This compilation reflects Macke’s artistic development and contributions to early 20th-century art before his untimely death during World War I.
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## List of works by August Macke
August Macke was a prominent figure in the German Expressionist movement and a founding member of the group Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider). His artistic output, though limited by his early death at age 27, is significant for its exploration of color, form, and modern life. Macke’s works include oil paintings, watercolors, drawings, and prints, many of which depict scenes of everyday life, landscapes, and figures rendered with a distinctive blend of Fauvist color and Cubist structure.
This article provides an overview of Macke’s major works, organized chronologically and thematically, highlighting key pieces that illustrate his artistic evolution and thematic interests.
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## Early Works (1905–1907)
August Macke’s early works show his initial engagement with naturalistic and impressionistic styles, influenced by his academic training and early exposure to French Impressionism.
### Notable Early Works
– **Self-Portrait (1906)**
An introspective oil painting demonstrating Macke’s early skill in portraiture and his interest in capturing psychological depth.
– **Landscape near Tegernsee (1907)**
A naturalistic landscape reflecting Macke’s early fascination with light and atmosphere, painted during his time in Bavaria.
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## Transition to Expressionism (1908–1910)
During this period, Macke’s style began to shift towards Expressionism, influenced by his encounters with the works of Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, and the Fauves.
### Key Works
– **Portrait of Elisabeth Gerhardt (1909)**
A portrait of his wife, Elisabeth, showcasing a more vibrant palette and simplified forms.
– **View into a Lane (1909)**
This painting marks Macke’s experimentation with color contrasts and compositional balance.
– **The Blue Rider (Der Blaue Reiter) (1910)**
Although not a painting but a group name, Macke’s association with this movement influenced his stylistic development.
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## Mature Period and Der Blaue Reiter (1911–1913)
Macke’s mature style is characterized by a synthesis of Fauvism, Cubism, and Expressionism, with a focus on color harmony and the depiction of modern life.
### Major Works
– **Lady in a Green Jacket (1913)**
This oil painting exemplifies Macke’s use of bright, flat areas of color and his interest in fashionable urban scenes.
– **Promenade (1913)**
A vibrant depiction of figures walking in a park, illustrating Macke’s skill in capturing movement and light.
– **Shops Windows (1912)**
Reflects Macke’s fascination with urban modernity and the interplay of reflections and transparency.
– **Large Bright Shop Window (1912)**
Another exploration of urban life, focusing on the visual complexity of shop windows.
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## Watercolors and Drawings
Macke was also prolific in watercolors and drawings, mediums in which he experimented with spontaneity and lightness.
### Noteworthy Watercolors
– **Woman with Umbrella (1913)**
A delicate watercolor capturing a fleeting moment with subtle color gradations.
– **Market Scene (1914)**
Demonstrates Macke’s ability to convey bustling life with economy of line and color.
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## Final Works and Legacy (1914)
In 1914, shortly before his death in World War I, Macke produced some of his most celebrated works, marked by a luminous palette and a joyous depiction of nature and human interaction.
### Important Late Works
– **Landscape with Cows and Camel (1914)**
Painted during a trip to Tunisia, this work reflects Macke’s exposure to North African light and color.
– **Turkish Café (1914)**
A vibrant scene combining exotic motifs with Macke’s characteristic color harmonies.
– **Girls in Green (1914)**
One of Macke’s last paintings, illustrating his mature style with simplified forms and radiant colors.
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## Catalogue Raisonné and Documentation
The comprehensive documentation of August Macke’s works has been undertaken by art historians and institutions, resulting in catalogues raisonnés that provide detailed listings, provenance, and critical analysis of his oeuvre. These catalogues serve as essential references for scholars, collectors, and museums.
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## Conclusion
August Macke’s body of work, though limited in quantity due to his premature death, remains influential in the study of early 20th-century modernism. His innovative use of color, synthesis of stylistic influences, and depiction of contemporary life continue to be celebrated in exhibitions and scholarly research. The list of his works offers insight into his artistic journey and enduring legacy.
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**META_DESCRIPTION:**
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the works by August Macke, highlighting his major paintings, watercolors, and drawings that define his contribution to German Expressionism and early modern art.