The Sermon on the Mount, plate 4 from the portfolio ‘Six Lithographs to the New Testament’

A hand-painted replica of Max Beckmann’s masterpiece The Sermon on the Mount, plate 4 from the portfolio ‘Six Lithographs to the New Testament’, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.

Max Beckmann, a prominent German painter, printmaker, and writer, created "The Sermon on the Mount, plate 4 from the portfolio ‘Six Lithographs to the New Testament’" in 1919. This work is part of a series of six lithographs that Beckmann produced, each depicting a scene from the New Testament. Beckmann's portfolio was created during a period of significant personal and societal upheaval, following the end of World War I and the beginning of the Weimar Republic in Germany.

"The Sermon on the Mount" is a significant biblical event where Jesus delivers a sermon to his followers, presenting key teachings that form the foundation of Christian ethics and moral conduct. Beckmann's interpretation of this scene is rendered in his distinctive expressionist style, which is characterized by bold lines, dramatic contrasts, and a focus on emotional intensity.

In this lithograph, Beckmann captures the essence of the Sermon on the Mount by emphasizing the spiritual and emotional gravity of the moment. The composition likely features Jesus at the center, surrounded by a crowd of listeners. Beckmann's use of stark black and white contrasts in the lithograph serves to highlight the solemnity and importance of the teachings being delivered. The figures are rendered with a sense of urgency and intensity, reflecting the artist's own experiences and the turbulent times in which he lived.

Beckmann's work often delves into themes of human suffering, redemption, and the search for meaning, which are all central to the Sermon on the Mount. His choice to depict this particular scene from the New Testament aligns with his broader artistic exploration of existential and spiritual questions. The lithograph not only illustrates a pivotal moment in Christian theology but also serves as a reflection of Beckmann's personal quest for understanding in a world marked by chaos and uncertainty.

The portfolio "Six Lithographs to the New Testament" was created during a prolific period in Beckmann's career when he was transitioning from his earlier, more traditional styles to the more modernist and expressionist approaches that would define his later work. This series is notable for its exploration of religious themes through a contemporary lens, merging traditional biblical iconography with the artist's unique vision and stylistic innovations.

Max Beckmann's "The Sermon on the Mount" lithograph is an important example of early 20th-century religious art, showcasing the artist's ability to convey profound spiritual messages through his distinctive expressionist technique. The work stands as a testament to Beckmann's skill as a printmaker and his deep engagement with the themes of faith, morality, and human experience.