Sternennacht über dem Hafen (Starry Night over the Harbor)
Painting on canvas • Attributed to Max Beckmann (or a very close contemporary in the German Expressionist circle)
Style & Movement
German Expressionism / New Objectivity (Neue Sachlichkeit) influence
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; expressive brushwork with dynamic, layered application of pigment and visible impasto in the celestial elements.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century, circa 1940-1950
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 90 x 60 cm; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A dramatic nocturnal maritime scene viewed from the deck of a ship. The composition is framed by masts, rigging, and a ladder, creating a sense of confinement typical of Beckmann's 'space-distortion.' A celestial sky featuring a glowing moon and orbital stars hangs over a distant horizon with harbor lights. The lower foreground includes dark, net-like structures or hammocks.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the paint film appears stable with some minor age-related craquelure and slight darkening of the varnish.
Estimated Market Value
$400,000 - $800,000 (if authenticated as Beckmann)
Auction Estimate
$350,000 - $650,000
Provenance History
Unknown; likely private collection in Europe or the US. The frame suggests a mid-to-late 20th-century professional mounting for a gallery or private residence.
Art Historical Significance
Highly significant as it reflects the existential weight and compressed space characteristic of German Expressionism. It mirrors themes of exile and the sea which were central to Beckmann's later work during his time in Amsterdam and the United States.
Notable Features
The use of thick black outlines to define structural elements and the 'vortex' effect in the sky are hallmarks of the artist's mature style.
Condition Issues
Surface dirt accumulation, slight yellowing of the protective varnish layer, and minor edge wear consistent with the frame contact points.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning and a light varnish refresh by a specialist. Maintain in a climate-controlled environment with UV-filtered lighting.