Max Band (Litvak, 1900-1974)

Max Band was a painter of École de Paris who was born and grew up in a small village in Lithuania. Despite the limited opportunities to study art, he was determined to develop his skills and drew from reproductions of famous artworks in books. Whilst working as a drawing teacher at a local school, his talent was recognised by the headteacher who urged Max Band to pursue art in Berlin.

Band lived in Berlin for three years (1920-1923) and studied art at the free academy. After he left Berlin he moved to Paris but continued to spend time and exhibit in Berlin (in 1924, 1929 and 1931). In Paris Band was a member of and exhibited at Salon d'Automne in 1926, 1929 and 1932, and Salon des Tuileries between 1930 and 1939. While living in Paris Max Band's style was significantly influenced by Cézanne and Picasso.

In 1940 Band emigrated to Los Angeles, where he continued to work and became sought after for his portraits. His portraits reveal a deep sensitivity to the human experience. He remained in the United States for the rest of his life but devoted several works to the theme of the Holocaust after the war.

The artist's first solo show was held at J.B. Newman Gallery in New York (1926). He exhibited widely at group shows and became the subject of several personal exhibitions. Notably at Stendhal Gallery in 1941 and The Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 1943. Today Max Band is included in many public and private collections: Jewish Museum, Berlin; Nicholas Roerich Museum, New York; Fine Art museums in Kaunas, Philadelphia and Toledo.