Hermann Max Pechstein Print, The Smoker – Portrait of Alfred Hess, Erfurt (1919)

The Smoker – Portrait of Alfred Hess, Erfurt (1919) by Hermann Max Pechstein

The Smoker – Portrait of Alfred Hess, Erfurt (1919) depicts the important German collector and industrialist Alfred Hess smoking a large pipe. Pechstein concentrates the image on Hess's face, hands and dark blue clothing, creating a portrait that feels informal yet commanding.

The original combines watercolour and India-ink drawing over pencil on paper and measures approximately 41.5 × 32 cm. Pechstein created the portrait during a visit to Hess in Erfurt in 1919.

Available as a fine art print, handmade framed print or canvas panel, this compact vertical portrait suits studies, libraries, offices and gallery walls.

A collector portrayed at ease

The pipe gives the portrait an immediately recognisable motif while the relaxed pose avoids conventional formality. Dark blue clothing occupies much of the composition, focusing attention on the face and the act of smoking.

About Hermann Max Pechstein

Hermann Max Pechstein (1881–1955) was a German painter and printmaker and one of the leading figures of German Expressionism. He joined Die Brücke in 1906 and became known for forceful contours, simplified forms and heightened colour. Figures, portraits, working life, coastal subjects and landscapes remained important themes throughout his career.

Style and technique

Transparent watercolour is reinforced by decisive ink drawing and pencil structure. The combination gives Pechstein both colour and graphic clarity without losing the spontaneity of a work on paper.

Why choose this Hermann Max Pechstein print?

• A historically significant 1919 portrait of collector Alfred Hess.
• Deep blue palette works well in studies and libraries.
• Available as fine art prints, framed prints and canvas panels.
• Strong vertical format for compact wall spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Alfred Hess?
Alfred Hess was a German industrialist and an important collector of modern art.

When was the portrait made?
Pechstein created it in 1919 during a visit to Hess in Erfurt.

What medium was the original?
The original combines watercolour and India ink over pencil on paper.

Why is the work called The Smoker?
Hess is shown smoking a large pipe, which becomes the defining motif of the portrait.

All orders for unframed fine art prints and original paintings are dispatched within 2 working days of receipt of payment.

Orders for custom framed prints are dispatched within 4 working days.

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Fine art papers are printed without any additional white border Please let us know at the time of ordering if you would like a small additional white border.

Rolled canvas options have an additional white border of approximately 2.5 inches (7cm) on all 4 sides to aid stretching.

Ready to hang canvas panels are stretched on 1.5 inch deep solid pine frames from sustainable forestry sources. The image is mirrored on all 4 sides to give an aesthetically pleasing finish.

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