Komposition 23.5.1965. 1965.
Oil and tempera on burlap.
Signed and dated "65" in lower right. Stretcher signed and dated "23.5.1965". 65 x 50 cm (25.5 x 19.6 in). [JS].

• Due to the masterfully composed modulation of color and form, this subtly balanced composition is an outstanding example of Ackermmann's "musical painting" .
• Based on the triad of purple, yellow and cyan blue, according to Ackermann "the most magnificent basis for color as such" (cited from: Max Ackermann 1887-1975, Bietigheim-Bissingen 1995, p. 82).
• Ackermann modulates the colorful opening interval by adding white and black to complementary "light-clear" or "dark-clear" tones.
• From Ackermann's strong late creative phase, a synthesis of all previous accomplishments.
• Works by Max Ackermann can be found at, among others, the Folkwang Museum, Essen, the Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main, and the Pinakothek der Moderne, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen, Munich.

The work is registered in the preliminary catalogue raisonné compiled by the Max-Ackermann-Archive, Bietigheim-Bissingen, with the number "ACK 4156".

PROVENANCE: Private collection Southern Germany (until 2006, Ketterer Kunst, December 5, 2006, lot 311).
Private collection Baden-Württemberg (acquired from the above in 2006).

LITERATURE: Max Ackermann zum 80. Geburtstag. Gemälde 1908-1967, Mittelrhein Museum Koblenz et al, 1967/68, cat. no. 154, p. 98 (illu.).
Ketterer Kunst, Munich, 306th auction, December 5, 2006, lot 311 (illu.).

"Max Ackermann is [..] certainly the most important Hölzel student in terms of the realization of his color theory and the implementation of his theories in practice. This statement is all the more surprising as Ackermann does not really count among the two circles of Hölzel's students; he met Hölzel and became his student when he had already completed his studies at the Academy: Ackermann's importance for the preservation and propagation of Hölzel's teachings is, however, more significant than that of all other Hölzel students, whether they were Schlemmer, Baumeister or Kerkovius."
Quoted from: Max Ackermann 1887-1975. Bilder aus siebzig Jahren. Retrospektive zum 20. Todestag, Bietigheim-Bissingen 1995, p. 9.

In very good condition. With very few subtly rubbed spots.
The condition report was compiled in daylight with the help of an ultraviolet light and to the best of knowledge.