... concentrated on the literal portrayal of the brutal discord that followed World War I. Recovery and a desire to put the past behind him caused Beckmann to break away from New Objectivity and gave him the opportunity pursue his art in a more generic direction which gave rise to great material success and access to life in 'high society'. This all changed again when Hitler came to power and confiscated many thousands of paintings by Germany's modern artists. Beckman in particular was targeted by the Nazis and forced to go into exile in Holland. This brought back not only all the trauma associated with his experiences on the front line in the First World War but also induced a depth of anger and frustration that was to give rise to an artistic style so distinctive and disturbing that once seen is hard to forget. Another reason for choosing Beckmann for ...

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