Max Lingner German artist and graphic artist Date of Birth: 17.11.1888 Country: Germany

1. Max Lingner: German Artist and Graphic Designer
2. Travels and World War I
3. Paris and Political Engagement
4. Resistance against the Nazis
5. Later Years and Contributions

Max Lingner: German Artist and Graphic Designer

Max Lingner was a German artist and graphic designer, as well as a member of the Resistance Movement. He was born into a family of engravers and studied drawing at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts. In 1912, he completed his studies at the academy and received the Saxon State Prize for his diploma work.

Travels and World War I

In 1913-1914, Lingner embarked on a trip to England, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. However, with the outbreak of World War I, he enlisted as a soldier and fought for the entirety of the four-year conflict. In 1918, he participated in the uprising of German Navy sailors and became a member of the Soldiers' Council in Kiel.

Paris and Political Engagement

From 1922 to 1927, Lingner worked as an artist in Weißenfels before moving to Paris upon the recommendation of Kate Kollwitz. In the French capital, he studied modern painting and was influenced by Impressionism. From 1928 to 1935, Lingner worked as an engraver for the newspaper "Mond" upon the invitation of Henri Barbuse.

In 1934, Lingner joined the "Association des Écrivains et Artistes Révolutionnaires" (Association of Revolutionary Writers and Artists of France) and participated in the group's exhibitions. He held solo exhibitions of his paintings in Paris in 1933, 1939, and 1947. Lingner also joined the French Communist Party in 1934 and collaborated with the newspaper "L'Humanité."

Resistance against the Nazis

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Lingner fought on the side of the Republicans. In the years 1939-1940, he was interned in a French camp for foreigners. Lingner managed to escape and assumed a false identity as Marcel Lantier. He remained in occupied France, fighting against the Nazis as part of the French Resistance Movement.

Later Years and Contributions

After the end of World War II, Lingner returned to Paris in 1944 and resumed his work as an artist for "L'Humanité." In 1949, he returned to Germany and worked as a professor of modern painting at the Berlin-Weißensee Academy of Art in the German Democratic Republic (GDR).

Lingner played a significant role in the establishment of the German Academy of Arts in Berlin in 1950. During this period, he created his monumental wall painting "Construction of the Republic" in the GDR's Ministry Building. Lingner was awarded the National Prize of the GDR in 1952 and 1955, as well as the Order of Merit to the Fatherland in 1954.

Max Lingner's contributions to art and his involvement in resistance movements made him an influential figure in both Germany and France. His works continue to be celebrated for their artistic and political significance.