Grisebach is delighted to announce a special museum acquisition today: The spectacular rediscovery of the last anniversary auctions, Max Beckmann's Dutch Beach Scene from 1934, went to the Kunstmuseum Den Haag for a strong EUR 2,305,000 (incl. buyer's premium).
This fateful painting was created during a holiday in Zandvoort in 1934, a turbulent time when the Netherlands played an important role in Beckmann's life. From 1937 until after the Second World War, the painter lived in exile in Amsterdam, which turned out to be one of the most productive phases of his career. This masterpiece remained in the family for over 80 years and was exhibited publicly for the last time in 1964. As one of the most important figures in 20th century art, Beckmann not only occupies a key position in Western art history, but also in the collection of the Kunstmuseum Den Haag.
Benno Tempel, Director Kunstmuseum Den Haag: "The Bathers with Green Cabin and Sailors in Red Trousers" is a very welcome addition to the collection of the Kunstmuseum Den Haag, alongside another painting and five lithographs by Beckmann. Seascapes were an extremely important theme for Beckmann, and he was often inspired by the Dutch coast. Until now, there has never been a sea view by him in our collection or that of any other Dutch museum. Thanks to the generous support of the Rembrandt Society and the Mondrian Fund, we can now give a more complete impression of the work of an artist who created at least a third of his oeuvre during his time in the Netherlands. I am very grateful and proud that we have been supported by these important funds and that we have been able to enrich the national collection."
Once again, Grisebach's long and trusting co-operation with public institutions has enabled him to convey an important work to an international museum.