Peter Max, 1937 – 2026

Peter Max: The 23 Most Famous Paintings

Flag (1954) is the most famous painting by Peter Max. Head large and Statue of Liberty are the next two works the world knows best. From the 24 works of Peter Max in our catalogue, here are the 23 that collectors and museum visitors look at most, with the year, the museum and the story of each.

Ranked by our popularity score, which combines the searches, visits and orders for each work. Updated November 2026.

Portrait of Peter Max
Peter Max · 1937 – 2026
Born · died
1937 – 2026, Berlin
Movement
Pop art
Works in our catalogue
24
Most famous
Flag (1954)

Top 10: Peter Max's best-known paintings

Flag (1954) by Peter Max
1

Flag

1954 · Oil On Canvas

Peter Max's Flag, painted in 1954, is far more than a simple representation of the Stars and Stripes. It’s a dynamic visual statement – a youthful reimagining of American identity at a moment of profound global transition. This artwork doesn’t just depict patriotism; it *interprets* it, offering a bold and enduring commentary that continues to captivate viewers.

Head large by Peter Max
2

Head large

Painting

A woman’s face emerges from a field of saturated color. Yellow, blue, red, green, and orange collide upon her skin, mapping her features in a pop art language. Her eyes remain open, fixed and steady. A single large yellow star rests on the left, a sharp geometric interruption to the organic curves of her neck and hair. Polka dots drift through the composition like colorful debris in a dream. The…

Statue of Liberty by Peter Max
3

Statue of Liberty

Painting

The artwork titled Statue of Liberty is a painting by the artist Peter Max. This piece features a depiction of the monument through a specific application of color and form. The subject matter focuses on the recognizable silhouette of the statue, rendered with a palette that includes reds, greens, blues, and yellows.

Girl by Peter Max
5

Girl

Peter Max's "Girl" is a captivating illustration that embodies the vibrant spirit of the late 1960s and early 1970s psychedelic art movement. This artwork presents a beautiful woman as its central figure, enveloped within a dreamlike landscape teeming with fantastical elements. The piece isn’t merely a portrait; it's an immersive experience, drawing the viewer into a world of swirling patterns, bold colors, and imaginative forms.

The rest of the Peter Max ranking, 11 to 23

The subjects Peter Max painted most

The four subjects that return most often among these masterpieces, with the finest example of each.

Peter Max through the years: the masterpieces of each year

1954 is the year of every dated Peter Max masterpiece on this page: here they are, in order of fame.

  1. 1954
    Flag (1954) by Peter Max
    #1 of 23

    Flag

    Age 17

    Peter Max's Flag, painted in 1954, is far more than a simple representation of the Stars and Stripes. It’s a dynamic visual statement – a youthful reimagining of…

Peter Max's paintings: frequently asked questions

What is the most famous Peter Max painting?Show the answer

Flag (1954). Next come Head large and Statue of Liberty.

At what age did Peter Max paint Flag?Show the answer

17 years old: Flag dates from 1954 and Peter Max was born in 1937.

Which are the 10 most famous Peter Max paintings?Show the answer

Flag, Head large, Statue of Liberty, Runner, Girl, Liberty head, Statue of Liberty, Love, Posters and Untitled (648). The ranking above gives the year and the museum of each.

How many paintings by Peter Max are there?Show the answer

Our catalogue lists 24 works by Peter Max.

What subjects did Peter Max paint?Show the answer

Retro design (3), Psychedelic (3) and Woman (2), among the 23 works on this page.

What did Peter Max paint on, and with what?Show the answer

Painting: 2 of the 23 works on this page.

Which movement does Peter Max's art belong to?Show the answer

Pop art, as the paintings on this page show.

Peter Max: biography

A Journey Through Color and Culture

Born Peter Max Finkelstein in Berlin, Germany, the artist's early life was marked by significant movement. Following the shadows of Nazi Germany, his family sought refuge in Shanghai, China, in 1938. This period of immersion in Chinese culture, including the sights and traditions of Buddhist temples, left a lasting impression on his perspective. The family later moved to Haifa, Israel, in 1948, where Max began formal art training under Professor Hünik, a Viennese Expressionist. After a brief time in Paris, where he studied Fauvism at the Louvre, the family settled in Brooklyn, New York, in 1953. He later refined his skills at the Art Students League of New York and the School of Visual Arts, studying anatomy and composition under Frank J. Reilly.

Artistic Evolution and Iconic Imagery

In 1962, Max co-founded The Daly & Max Studio in Manhattan, producing advertising art and illustrations that utilized antique photographic images. His work became synonymous with the 1960s, characterized by a style featuring vibrant colors, psychedelic imagery, and cosmic themes inspired by astronomy. He achieved mainstream popularity through the 1968 7-Up advertising campaign. His diverse portfolio includes:

Max's subjects often included celestial imagery, floral motifs, and portraits of prominent figures, such as various U.S. presidents and Taylor Swift. He served as the official artist for major events, including the Grammy Awards and the Super Bowl. Throughout his career, he remained a prolific creator, exploring various media and even designing livery for aircraft.