Hermann Max Pechstein Print, Zwei Köpfe (1920)

Zwei Köpfe (1920) by Hermann Max Pechstein

Zwei Köpfe (1920) is a large, expressive double portrait built around two closely cropped heads. Pechstein uses green, orange, blue and black to model the faces, replacing conventional flesh tones with emphatic blocks of colour and sharply defined contours.

The original is watercolour over pencil on cardboard, measuring approximately 51 × 75.5 cm. The work belongs to the years immediately after the First World War, when Pechstein was developing a renewed formal language while continuing to explore portraiture and the expressive possibilities of watercolour.

Available as a fine art print, handmade framed print or canvas panel, Zwei Köpfe offers a strong horizontal format that works particularly well above consoles, sofas, beds and sideboards.

An expressive double portrait

The two heads fill almost the entire composition. One turns into profile while the other looks outward, creating a subtle psychological tension. Bold colour around the eyes, forehead and jaw gives both faces a sculptural, mask-like presence.

About Hermann Max Pechstein

Hermann Max Pechstein (1881–1955) was a German painter and printmaker and one of the major figures of German Expressionism. He joined Die Brücke in 1906 and developed a highly recognisable visual language built around simplified forms, emphatic contours and heightened colour. Figures, coastal life, landscapes and portraits remained central themes throughout his career.

Style and technique

Watercolour laid over pencil allows Pechstein to combine precise drawing with broad transparent and opaque colour. The strong dark contours hold the composition together while green, orange and blue provide the emotional emphasis.

Why choose this Hermann Max Pechstein print?

• A powerful 1920 double portrait by a leading German Expressionist.
• Strong horizontal format suited to wide wall spaces.
• Available as fine art prints, framed prints and canvas panels.
• Distinctive green, orange, blue and black palette.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Zwei Köpfe mean?
The German title means Two Heads.

When did Pechstein create Zwei Köpfe?
The work is dated 1920.

What medium was the original?
The original is watercolour over pencil on cardboard, approximately 51 × 75.5 cm.

Where does this horizontal print work best?
Its wide proportions suit walls above sofas, consoles, beds, sideboards and desks.

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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