Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. August Macke died in 1914; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1984.
In context
Farewell — August Macke
The original measures 101 × 130 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Shaded: the lifetime of August Macke (1887–1914) ▲ this work, 1914
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Measured from the image
Main colour
Espresso #403532
Catalogued palette
About this artwork
Farewell — August Macke
The painting "Farewell" by August Macke is a remarkable example of the artist's unique style, which blends elements of Expressionism and Orphism. Created in 1914, this oil on canvas piece measures 101 x 130 cm and showcases Macke's ability to capture the essence of human interaction.
August Macke was a leading member of the German Expressionist group Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider), which sought to break away from traditional representation in art. His work, including "Farewell", reflects this goal, with its emphasis on geometric forms and vibrant colors. As seen in other works by Macke, such as Landscape with Cows and Camel (available on https://AllPaintingsStore.com), the artist's use of color and composition creates a sense of dynamism and energy.
The painting "Farewell" depicts a large group of people gathered in a room, engaged in conversation or simply enjoying each other's company. A dog is present on the right side of the image, while a handbag can be seen on the left. The overall atmosphere is lively and social, with everyone gathered together for a shared experience. This sense of community and togetherness is a hallmark of Macke's work, as seen in paintings like Market in Tunis II (also available on https://AllPaintingsStore.com).
The use of bold colors and geometric forms in "Farewell" creates a sense of tension and emotion, drawing the viewer into the scene.
The presence of everyday objects, like the handbag and dog, adds a sense of realism to the painting, balancing out the more abstract elements.
As with other works by Macke, such as Native Sea Fight, the composition is characterized by a sense of movement and energy, reflecting the artist's emphasis on capturing the essence of human experience.
Handmade oil painting reproductions of "Farewell" are available on https://AllPaintingsStore.com, allowing art enthusiasts to own a piece of this remarkable painting. For more information on August Macke and his work, visit the Kunsthaus Zürich or read about his life and career on Wikipedia.
The painting "Farewell" is a testament to August Macke's innovative style and his ability to capture the essence of human interaction. As a leading figure in the German Expressionist movement, Macke's work continues to inspire and influence artists today.
Artist and museum
Born in Meschede, Germany
August Robert Ludwig Macke, a name synonymous with German Expressionism’s brief but incandescent flowering, lived a life tragically curtailed by the outbreak of the First World War. Born in 1887 in Meschede, Westphalia, his artistic journey was one of rapid evolution and fervent exploration, marked by an insatiable curiosity for new styles and a deep desire to capture the essence of modern experience. Macke’s early life saw a move to Bonn with his family, where he received his initial education and began to nurture his burgeoning talent. Though formally trained at the Düsseldorf Art Academy from 1904-1906, under Adolf Maennchen, it was through independent study and travel that his artistic voice truly began to emerge. These formative years were characterized by an absorption of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist techniques, laying a foundation for the bolder expressions to come. He supplemented his income with stage design work, honing his compositional skills and developing a keen sense of color.
Macke’s artistic trajectory was profoundly shaped by encounters with key figures and movements of the early 20th century. A pivotal moment arrived in Paris in 1912, where he met Robert Delaunay, a leading proponent of Orphism – a branch of Cubism focused on pure abstraction and vibrant color harmonies. This encounter proved transformative, introducing Macke to the concept of simultaneous contrast and influencing his work towards a more dynamic and non-representational approach. He began experimenting with broken planes of color and abstracted forms, seeking to convey not just what he saw, but how he felt about what he saw. Simultaneously, his close friendship with Franz Marc, a fellow artist and member of the influential group Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider), drew him into the orbit of Wassily Kandinsky and other avant-garde thinkers. While Macke’s style remained distinct from Kandinsky's more purely abstract explorations, he embraced the group’s spirit of artistic freedom and spiritual inquiry. His paintings began to reflect a growing interest in depicting the emotional resonance of landscapes and everyday life, imbued with a sense of joy and optimism.
As an integral member of Der Blaue Reiter, Macke contributed significantly to the group’s exhibitions and publications, helping to disseminate its radical ideas about art and spirituality. However, he wasn't simply a follower; he forged his own unique path within the movement. Unlike some of his colleagues who leaned towards darker, more angst-ridden themes, Macke consistently sought to portray beauty and harmony in the world around him. His paintings, such as Bathing Girls with Town in the Background, exemplify this approach – vibrant colors, simplified forms, and a sense of idyllic tranquility characterize his work. He masterfully blended elements of Fauvism, Cubism, and Futurism into a distinctly personal style, creating compositions that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant. Woman in a Green Jacket, painted in 1913, is another prime example – a portrait radiating warmth and vitality through its bold color palette and confident brushwork. His later works, like Türkisches Café, demonstrate his luminist approach, capturing the play of light and shadow with remarkable sensitivity.
The outbreak of World War I brought a sudden and devastating end to Macke’s promising career. Driven by patriotic fervor, he volunteered for military service in 1914. Tragically, he was killed in action just weeks later, on September 26th, at the front near Champagne, France, at the young age of 27. His final painting, Farewell, poignantly captures the somber mood that descended upon Europe as war engulfed the continent. Though his life was tragically short, August Macke left behind a body of work that continues to captivate and inspire. He remains a significant figure in the history of Expressionism, celebrated for his vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and optimistic vision. His paintings offer a glimpse into a world on the cusp of change, imbued with a sense of beauty and hope amidst growing uncertainty.
Today, August Macke's works are held in prominent collections worldwide, including the Staatsgalerie Moderner Kunst in Munich, the Museum Ludwig in Cologne, and the Kunsthaus Zürich. Several museums dedicated to Expressionism feature his paintings prominently, offering visitors a chance to experience the power of his art firsthand. The Westfälisches Landesmuseum Münster and the Kunstmuseum Bonn are particularly noteworthy for their holdings of Macke’s work. His influence can be seen in the continued exploration of color and emotion by contemporary artists. For those seeking to delve deeper into his world, resources like Artnet and Wikipedia provide valuable biographical information and insights into his artistic development. Exploring his paintings through online databases such as AllPaintingsStore allows for a closer examination of his technique and subject matter, revealing the enduring appeal of this remarkable artist whose life was tragically cut short but whose legacy continues to shine brightly.
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Look closely
Farewell — August Macke
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