Max Bezner (1872–1939) – Sculptor of the German Empire and the Weimar Republic

Biographical Background

Max Bezner (1872–1939) was an important German sculptor and landscape painter, who made a name for himself in particular through portraits of prominent figures of the German Empire and the Weimar Republic. Bezner lived and worked in Berlin, where he was regularly represented at the Great Berlin Art Exhibition – among other works with his well-known plaster bust of Kaiser Wilhelm II from the years 1914/1916.

Work & Artistic Significance

An outstanding example of his work is the signed and dated terracotta bust of Kaiser Wilhelm II from the year 1928, which shows the "old Kaiser" in uniform with four medals. This bust was commissioned for Huis Doorn, the place of exile of Wilhelm II, and is exemplary of Bezner’s close connection to the Cadinen Majolica Workshop, which was known for its high-quality ceramic works in an imperial context.

Condition & Provenance

The terracotta bust is in excellent condition and was part of a private art collection for many years. It impressively documents the connection between portrait art, historical representation, and the material culture of the German Empire.

Collector's Relevance

For collectors of imperial memorabilia, museums with a monarchical focus, and enthusiasts of early 20th-century German sculpture, it represents a particularly valuable object.