Born Peter Max Finkelstein in Berlin in 1937, psychedelic Pop art icon Peter Max spent the first part of his childhood in Shanghai after his parents emigrated from Germany to flee the Nazis. While there, Max developed his deep interest in American pop culture — namely comic books, jazz and cinema. Max’s paintings, graphic design, prints and illustrations, which were inspired by these interests, were also informed by his experience with synesthesia, a sensory condition that causes him to see music and hear color.
After relocating to Haifa, Israel, then Paris, where he spent a significant amount of time in sketching classes at the Louvre, a teenage Max and his family finally moved to the United States, settling in Brooklyn. Max enrolled in the Art Students League of New York in 1956, training under Frank J. Reilly, and then the School of Visual Arts. Throughout art school, Max focused on photorealism, but he found the style too restrictive. When he graduated and opened his graphic design studio with friends in 1962, he began experimenting with abstraction and color — just in time for the psychedelic era.
The technicolor works for which Max would become known are characterized by big and bold graphic qualities — not dissimilar to what you’d find in his beloved comic books. Some deeper themes emerged across his work too: Max spent a good portion of the 1960s and 1970s creating his signature cosmic style, inspired by his fascination with astronomy and Eastern philosophies.
For Max and his partners, the graphic design business was highly successful, with commissions rolling in from advertising agencies, magazines and even Hollywood in the form of movie posters. The artist was featured on the cover of Life in 1969, and by the 1970s, he was practically a household name.
Max's body of work extended into product design, including a line of clocks for General Electric, while his domination of the commercial art scene continued for decades. He was commissioned to paint a postage stamp honoring the World’s Fair of 1974 (Expo ‘74); a Statue of Liberty series in which some proceeds went on to fund the statue’s restoration; posters and other advertising materials for major events like the Super Bowl, the U.S. Open and the Grammys; a Dale Earnhardt race car; and even the hull of the Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship.
Commercial activities aside, Max has long been the subject of many museum exhibitions, from his first solo show in 1970, “The World of Peter Max,” at the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum in San Francisco to 2016's “Peter Max: 50 Years of Cosmic Dreaming” at the Tampa Museum of Art in Florida. Today, his work belongs to the collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and other institutions.
Find original Peter Max lithographs, paintings, signed art and other works for sale on 1stDibs.
Disney: Donald Duck Hand Signed Serigraph, Custom Framed, 60/500
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Serigraph in colors on paper. Hand signed lower right by Peter Max. Hand numbered 60/500 lower left. Sheet size: 16 x 14 inches. Custom framed as pictured. White frame and matt...
Paper, Screen
Profile with Doves, Pop Art Acrylic Painting on Lithograph by Peter Max
By Peter Max
Located in Long Island City, NY
Profile with Doves by Peter Max, German/American (1937) Portfolio: Woodstock Series Date: 2006 Mixed Media with Acrylic on Lithograph, signed Size: 10 x 8 in. (25.4 x 20.32 cm) Frame...
Acrylic, Lithograph
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Seated Man, Peter Max
By Peter Max
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Peter Max (1937) Title: Seated Man Year: 1980 Medium: Ink on archival paper Size: 9 x 11.5 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Signed by the artist PETER MAX (1937- ) P...
Ink
Disney Snow White Suite Serigraphs Set of 4, Hand Signed, 135/500
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Set of 4 serigraphs in colors on paper. Each hand signed lower right by Peter Max. Each hand numbered 135/500 lower left (matching edition). Sheet size: 16 x 14 inches (each). Fr...
Paper, Screen
Nelson Mandela, Pop Art Portrait by Peter Max
By Peter Max
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Peter Max, German/American (1937 - ) Title: Nelson Mandela Year: 2001 Medium: Acrylic on Canvas, Signed u.l. Size: 18 x 16 inches
Acrylic
Signed Flower Spectrum Serigraph Print, Pop Art, Edition of 150
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Serigraph in colors on paper. Hand signed and numbered by Peter Max. Edition of 150. Artwork is in excellent condition. All reasonable offers will be considered.
Paper, Screen
Signed Flower Abstract Lithograph, Pop Art Style, Edition of 165, Framed, 1980
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Lithograph in colors on paper. Hand signed and numbered by the artist. From the edition of 165. Frame size approx 28 x 33 inches. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate ...
Lithograph, Paper
$1,051Sale Price|20% Off
Lady Thru Window, Peter Max
By Peter Max
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Peter Max (1937) Title: Lady Thru Window Year: 1999 Edition: 166/300, plus proofs Medium: Lithograph on archival paper Size: 6.5 x 12 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription:...
Lithograph
$1,051Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract Zero, Peter Max
By Peter Max
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Peter Max (1937) Title: Abstract Zero Year: 2001 Edition: 500/500, plus proofs Medium: Lithograph on archival paper Size: 11 x 9 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Sign...
Lithograph
$955Sale Price|20% Off
Profile, Black & White, Peter Max
By Peter Max
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Peter Max (1937) Title: Profile, Black & White Year: 2004 Edition: 500/500, plus proofs Medium: Lithograph on Lustro Saxony paper Size: 8.75 x 7 inches Condition: Excellent I...
Lithograph
Without Borders Original Acrylic Painting, Pop Art, 1986, Framed
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Original painting on canvas. Hand signed on front by the artist. Canvas size 10 x 10 inches. Custom framed in white with hand painted fillet. Frame size approx 19 x 19 inches. ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Sailboat With Hearts On Blends, Mixed Media Acrylic Lithography, 16x12 Inches
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Mixed media with acrylic painting and color lithography on paper. Hand-signed in acrylic paint on front by Peter Max. A unique variation. Artwork size: 16 x 12 inches. Frame size...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Lithograph
Statue of Liberty Mixed Media on Paper, Unique, Signed, Pop Art, 2009
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Mixed media with acrylic painting and color lithography on paper. Hand-signed in acrylic paint on front by Peter Max. A unique variation. Frame size 18 x 15.5 inches. Artwork siz...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Lithograph
Angel with Heart, Unique Mixed Media on Paper, Pop Art, Signed, 2009
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Mixed media with acrylic painting and color lithography on paper. Hand-signed in acrylic paint on front by Peter Max. A unique variation. Frame size 18 x 15.5 inches. Artwork siz...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Lithograph
Faure Unique Mixed Media on Paper, Acrylic & Lithograph, Framed Art, 2010
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Mixed media with acrylic painting and color lithography on paper. Hand-signed in acrylic paint on front by Peter Max. A unique variation. Frame size approx 21 x 17 inches. Artwor...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Lithograph
Profile with Flower Vase, Original Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Signed
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Original acrylic painting on canvas. Hand signed on front by Peter Max. Canvas size 24 x 30 inches. Frame size approx 28 x 34 inches. In 2012, Ken Hendel, the owner of Gallery A...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,000
LADY ON COUCH
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Serigraph in colors on paper. Hand signed and numbered by the artist. Artist Proof (AP) edition of 45. Sheet size 23 x 27.5 inches. Image size 18 x 22.5 inches. Custom framed as ...
Paper, Screen
Guru Original Mixed Media Watercolor on Paper, Late 20th Century
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Original mixed media drawing with watercolor on paper. Hand signed by Peter Max. Frame size approx 21 x 19.25 inches. Artwork size 13.75 x 12 inch...
Paper, Mixed Media, Watercolor
Blushing Beauty, Unique Mixed Media on Paper, Pop Art, Signed, 2009
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Mixed media with acrylic painting and color lithography on paper. Hand-signed in acrylic paint on front by Peter Max. A unique variation. Frame size 18 x 15.5 inches. Artwork siz...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Lithograph
Cosmic Profile, Original Mixed Media on Paper, Pop Art, Signed, 1986
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Original mixed media on paper. Hand signed and dated on front by Peter Max. Frame size approx 22 x 28.5 inches. Artwork size 11.6 x 18.4 inches. Artwork is in excellent condition...
Paper, Mixed Media
Statue Overpaint, Unique Mixed Media on Paper, Pop Art, Signed, 2010
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Mixed media with acrylic painting and color lithography on paper. Hand-signed in acrylic paint on front by Peter Max. A unique variation. Frame size 18 x 15.5 inches. Artwork siz...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Lithograph
Dega & Woman, Large Hand Signed Serigraph, Pop Art, Edition of 300, 1990
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Serigraph in colors on paper. Hand signed and numbered by Peter Max. Edition of 300. From Images of an Era Suite. Published by Hanson Art Galleries., San Francisco, CA and printe...
Paper, Screen
Day Dream Unique Mixed Media on Paper, Pop Art, Signed, 2009
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Mixed media with acrylic painting and color lithography on paper. Hand-signed in acrylic paint on front by Peter Max. A unique variation. Frame size 18 x 15.5 inches. Artwork siz...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Lithograph
Lady on Red with Floating Vase, Hand Signed Serigraph, Edition of 300, 1988
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Serigraph in colors on paper. Hand signed and numbered by Peter Max. Published by Hanson Art Galleries., San Francisco, CA and printed by Karl & Gail., NY. Edition of 300. ...
Paper, Screen
HIS OWN ECLIPSE
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Hand signed and numbered. Blind stamped in lower left corner. Don't hesitate to ask any questions. Certificate of Authenticity included. Published by AMX Art Ltd., NY and printed by ...
Screen, Paper
Love, Unique Mixed Media on Paper, Acrylic and Lithograph, 2009
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Mixed media with acrylic painting and color lithography on paper. Hand-signed in acrylic paint on front by Peter Max. A unique variation. Frame size 18 x 15.5 inches. Artwork siz...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Lithograph
Still Life - Abstract Series, Mixed Media Acrylic on Paper, Signed, 2010
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Mixed media with acrylic painting and color lithography on paper. Hand-signed in acrylic paint on front by Peter Max. A unique variation. Frame size 18 x 15.5 inches. Artwork siz...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Lithograph
Closer to God, Hand Signed Serigraph, Pop Art, Edition of 100, 1971
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Serigraph in colors on paper. Hand signed, dated and numbered by Peter Max. Published by London Arts Inc., Detroit, MI and printed by Peter Baum, NY. Edition of 100. Artwork is ...
Paper, Screen
Homage to Picasso Etching, Signed, Pop Art, Edition of 99, 1991, Framed
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Etching on paper. Hand signed and numbered by Peter Max. From the edition of 99. Frame size approx 27 x 24 inches. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of authenticity included. All reasonable offers will be considered. About the Artist: Peter Max (American, born 1937) is known for his unique brand of rainbow-hued prints and paintings, which he has created since the early 1960s. Employing painterly strokes, his illustrations incorporate a wide spectrum of colors and patterns as seen in his Umbrella Man series. “I'm just wowed by the universe. I'm just glad to do something I love to do. I love color, I love painting, I love shapes...
Lithograph, Paper
COMPOSITION RED AND GREEN
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Hand signed, dated and numbered by the artist. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of Authenticity included. PP edition. All reasonable offers will be considered.
Paper, Lithograph
Time Line Dega Man Serigraph, Pop Art, Signed, Edition of 150, 1995
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Serigraph in colors on paper. Hand signed and numbered by Peter Max. Edition of 150. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of Authenticity included. All reasonable offe...
Paper, Screen
COLLOSSUS II
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Hand signed and numbered by the artist. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of Authenticity included. AP edition. All reasonable offers will be considered.
Paper, Screen
Balboa Park Lithograph Print, Pop Art, Signed, 67/150, Custom Framed, 1990
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Lithograph in colors on paper. Hand signed lower right by Peter Max. Hand numbered 67/150 lower left. Sheet size: 27 x 34 inches. Custom framed as pictured. White frame and ma...
Paper, Lithograph
Three Faces Screen Print on Paper, Pop Art, Limited Edition, 1991
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Screen print in colors on paper. Hand signed and numbered 'HC 27' by Peter Max. Frame size approx 31 x 40 inches. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of Authenticity i...
Paper, Screen
SUNSET PROFILE
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Lithograph in colors on paper. Hand signed, dated and numbered by the artist. Artist Proof (AP) edition. Sheet size 23 x 30 inches. Custom framed as pictured. Artwork is in excell...
Paper, Screen
Cosmic Profile Mixed Media Drawing, Watercolor, Pop Art, Signed
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Original mixed media drawing with watercolor on paper. Hand signed by Peter Max. Frame size approx 17 x 21 inches. Artwork size 11 x 15 inches. Artwork is in excellent condition....
Paper, Mixed Media, Watercolor
FROM ANOTHER PLANET
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Hand signed, dated and inscribed "Study" by the artist. Hand embellished by the artist. A unique variation. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of Authenticity included....
Paper, Lithograph
$2,450
SAILBOATS
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Hand signed, dated and inscribed "PP Study" by the artist. Hand embellished by the artist. A unique variation. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of Authenticity includ...
Paper, Lithograph
MOON FLOWERS I
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Hand signed and numbered by the artist. The artwork is in overall excellent condition. Due to its age, there is some normal signs of aging on the white margins. There is some blue pr...
Paper, Screen
LADY ON COUCH WITH VASE
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Hand signed and numbered by the artist. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of Authenticity included. Published by AMX Art Ltd., NY and printed by IZMO Productions, NY. E...
Screen, Paper
LADY OF FASHION II
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Hand signed, dated and inscribed "Study" by the artist. Hand embellished by the artist. A unique variation. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of Authenticity included....
Paper, Lithograph
Cosmic Runner, Unique Mixed Media on Paper, Pop Art, Signed, 2009
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Mixed media with acrylic painting and color lithography on paper. Hand-signed in acrylic paint on front by Peter Max. A unique variation. Frame size 18 x 15.5 inches. Artwork siz...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Lithograph
SAGE Original Pop Art Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, Framed, 1989
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Original painting on canvas. Hand signed and dated on front by the artist. Custom framed with hand painted fillet. Canvas size 10 x 14 in. Framed size approx 19.25 x 23.5 in. Art...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Angels Suite, 6 Hand Signed Etchings, AP Edition, 1989, Pop Art
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Complete suite of 6 hand signed and numbered etchings. Includes hand signed binder. Numbered AP 24 (aside from the main edition of 100). Sheet size is 15 x 19 inches each. Image ...
Paper, Etching
$3,500
RED VASE
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Hand signed and numbered by the artist. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of Authenticity included. Published by AMX Art Ltd., NY and printed by A Nussbaum, NY. HC edit...
Paper, Lithograph
VASE IN ROOM II
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Hand signed, dated and inscribed "Study" by the artist. Hand embellished by the artist. A unique variation. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of Authenticity included....
Paper, Lithograph
THE GARDEN
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Hand signed, dated and inscribed "Study" by the artist. Hand embellished by the artist. A unique variation. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of Authenticity included....
Paper, Lithograph
IN HIS GARDEN
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Hand signed, dated and inscribed "Study" by the artist. Hand embellished by the artist. A unique variation. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of Authenticity included....
Paper, Lithograph
Price Upon Request
"Cosmic Runner with Zooples" Pop Art Screen Print Silk Screen Serigraph Blue
By Peter Max
Located in Austin, TX
This colorful and zany piece by Peter Max depicts a sky blue character called the "Cosmic Runner" in mid-sprint across the composition. 14" x 18.5" Screen print About the Artist: ...
Archival Paper, Screen
Price Upon Request
Grammy, Pop Art painting by Peter Max 1991
By Peter Max
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Peter Max Title: Grammy Year: 1991 Medium: Acrylic on Canvas, signed upper right, with Max studio verso Size: 60 x 48 inches (152.4 x 121.92 cm) Frame: 63 x 51 inches Max wa...
Canvas, Acrylic
Price Upon Request
Neo Head, Large Peter Max painting 1994
By Peter Max
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Peter Max Title: Neo Head Year: 1994 Medium: Acrylic on Canvas, signed l.r. Size: 72 x 60 inches (frame larger)
Acrylic
Price Upon Request
Zero Megalopolis
By Peter Max
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Peter Max Title: Zero Megalopolis Year: 1989 Medium: Acrylic on Canvas, signed u.r. and studio stamp verso Size: 60 x 60 inches Frame: 67 x 67 inches
Canvas, Acrylic
Price Upon Request
Heart with Profile
By Peter Max
Located in Missouri, MO
Peter Max Heart and Profile c. 2005 Serigraph with Acrylic Paint Hand Signed by the Artist Image Size: approx. 14 x 12.5 Frames Size: approx. 27 x 24.5 inches
Acrylic, Lithograph
Price Upon Request
Blue Profile with Pink Orb
By Peter Max
Located in Missouri, MO
Color Lithograph Signed and Dated Lower Right Numbered Lower Left 22/100 Image Size: approx. 23 x 29 inches Framed Size: approx. 31 x 37.5 inches
Lithograph
Price Upon Request
Zero In Purple
By Peter Max
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Peter Max Title: Zero In Purple Year: 1994 Medium: Acrylic on Canvas, signed u.r. and studio stamp verso Size: 60 x 48 inches
Canvas, Acrylic
Price Upon Request
Zero Series Version 3, No. 2
By Peter Max
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Peter Max, German/American (1937 - ) Title: Zero Series Version 3, No. 2 Year: 1994 Medium: Acrylic on Canvas, signed upper right Size: 24 x 18 in. (60.96 x 45.72 cm) Frame S...
Canvas, Acrylic