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.
$15,600Sale Price|20% Off
Peter Max Midnight Profile Large 50” Original Painting Signed Acrylic on Paper
By Peter Max
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Peter Max Title: Midnight Profile Medium: Original acrylic painting on paper Dimensions: 50" x 38 1/8" Year: 1990 Inscription: Signed "Max" on upper right Peter Max's "Midni...
Paper, Acrylic
Without Borders #9, 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
"Sitting Angel" (1988) Oil Painting on Canvas, Signed by Peter Max
By Peter Max
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Max, Peter Sitting Angel, 1988 Oil on canvas 13 3/8 x 10 3/8 in. Original work of art Signed in oil paint; signed and dated (on the reverse) Registration No.: 114499.0042
Canvas, Oil
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
$19,600Sale Price|20% Off
LOVE, Peter Max
By Peter Max
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Peter Max (1937) Title: LOVE Year: 2008 Medium: Acrylic on canvas Size: 6 x 15 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Signed by the artist Notes: Referenced in the archives...
Canvas, Acrylic
Walking in Reeds, Psychedelic Acrylic Painting by Peter Max
By Peter Max
Located in Long Island City, NY
Walking in Reeds by Peter Max, German/American (1937) Date: 1999 Mixed Media with Acrylic Painting on Lithograph, signed upper left Size: 14 x 17 in. ...
Acrylic, Lithograph
Peter Max -- Heart on Blends
By Peter Max
Located in BRUCE, ACT
Peter Max Heart on Blends, 2006 Mixed-media with acrylic painting and color lithography on paper. A unique work Hand signed in acrylic low right. Image size 23 x 18 cm Frame size ...
Mixed Media
$3,465Sale Price|30% Off
Peter Max United We Stand II 2005 Signed Unique Mixed Media Variation
By Peter Max
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Peter Max Title: United We Stand II Medium: Mixed Media on Paper Artwork Dimensions: 24" x 18" Frame Dimensions: 38" x 32" x 2" Year: 2005 Inscription: Signed "Max" on front ...
Paper, Acrylic
Peter Max -- Love on Blends
By Peter Max
Located in BRUCE, ACT
Peter Max Love on Blends, 2006 Mixed-media with acrylic painting and color lithography on paper. A unique work Hand signed in acrylic low right. Image size 23 x 18 cm Frame size 6...
Mixed Media
Flag Original Painting on Canvas, Signed, 19 x 19 in. Custom Framed, 2008
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Original acrylic painting on canvas. Hand signed upper front by Peter Max. Canvas size: 10 x 10 inches. Custom framed as pictured. Black frame and linen matting with hand painte...
Canvas, Acrylic
Peter Max -- Peace On Earth II
By Peter Max
Located in BRUCE, ACT
Peter Max Peace On Earth II, 2006 Mixed-media with acrylic painting and color lithography on paper. A unique work Hand signed in acrylic low right. Image size 58 x 43 cm Frame siz...
Mixed Media
$2,250
Statue Of Liberty, Unique Mixed Media on Paper, Signed, 18 x 16 in. Framed, 2019
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 16 inches. Artwork size ...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Lithograph
"Daydreaming" (1984) Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Signed by Peter Max
By Peter Max
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Max, Peter Daydreaming, 1984 Acrylic painting on canvas 30 x 24 x 1 3/4 in. One-of-a-Kind Painting on Canvas Framed dimensions: 32 1/4 x 26 1/4 in. Signed in paint (upper right); s...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Portrait of Bebe" (1974) Oil Painting on Canvas, Signed by Peter Max
By Peter Max
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Max, Peter Portrait of Bebe, 1974 Oil on canvas 40 x 50 in. Original work of art Signed 'Max / 74' (upper left); inscribed, signed, and dated 'Bebe ... / MAX / NOV 12 / 1974 / N.Y....
Canvas, Oil
Brown Lady Original Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Pop Art, Custom Framed, 1993
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Original acrylic painting on canvas. Hand signed on front by Peter Max. Canvas size 36 x 24 inches. Custom frame with hand painted filet. Frame size approx 46 x 33.75 inches. Stu...
Canvas, Acrylic
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
Peter Max Signed Flag Mixed Media Original Painting over Lithograph
By Peter Max
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Peter Max Title: Flag Medium: Mixed Media on Paper Size: 18" x 23.5" Year: c. 2000-2010 Inscription: Signed "Max" on front Peter Max Studio Registration number: Reg # 203951 ...
Paper, Mixed Media
Blushing Beauty 2011 Ver. I #38, Unique Acrylic Painting on Paper, Hand Signed
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Blushing Beauty 2011 Ver. I #38. Unique, one of a kind acrylic painting on paper. Hand signed lower front by Peter Max. Paper size: 14 x 11 inches. Frame size: 23.25 x 20.25 inch...
Paper, Acrylic
Sage Abstract, Original Acrylic Painting, Custom Framed, Pop Art, 1989
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Original painting on canvas. Hand signed on front by Peter Max with studio catalog number and date on verso. Canvas size 30 x 24 inches. Custom framed with hand painted fillet as ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$9,980Sale Price|20% Off
Peter Max Signed Early Original Acrylic on Canvas Painting 1984 Seated Man
By Peter Max
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Peter Max Title: Seated Man Medium: Original Acrylic on Canvas Year: 1984 Size: Canvas 24" x 30" Inscription: Signed “Max" and dated in the upper left Edition: OriginalCondit...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,000
“Mona Lisa”
By Peter Max
Located in Warren, NJ
This is an Peter Max original mixed media on paper “Mona Lisa” . In good condition. Measures 26x24. Comes with coa in the back of picture
Mixed Media
$100,000
Better World
By Peter Max
Located in Hollywood, FL
Artist: Peter Max Title: Better World Size: 48 x 24 Inches (Framed: 57.25 x 33.25 Inches) Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Edition: Original Year: 2010 Notes: Max Studio Catalog Nu...
Canvas, Acrylic
“Flag with Heart Collage, version 1”
By Peter Max
Located in Warren, NJ
This is a Peter max original mixed media comes with coa. In good condition some minor frame wear. Measures 24x22
Mixed Media
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Peter Max Peace by the Year 2000 Mixed Media 1998 Original Painting 22x28
By Peter Max
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Peter Max Title: Peace by the Year 2000 Medium: Original Mixed Media Painting with Acrylic and Offset Lithography on Paper Dimensions: 22" x 28" Year: 1998 Inscription: Signe...
Paper, Acrylic
Colossus Version 1 No. 1, Acrylic and Screenprint on Canvas by Peter Max
By Peter Max
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Peter Max, German/American (1937 - ) Title: Colossus Version 1 No. 1 Year: 1971 Medium: Acrylic and Silkscreen on Canvas, signed and dated l.r. Size: 36 in. x 26 in. (91.44 c...
Canvas, Acrylic
$5,600
Blushing Beauty 1997 Ver. III #65, Unique Acrylic Painting on Paper, Hand Signed
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Blushing Beauty 1997 Ver. III #65. Unique, one of a kind acrylic painting on paper. Hand signed lower front by Peter Max. Paper size: 16 x 12 inches. Frame size: 26 x 22 inches. ...
Paper, Acrylic
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
Peter Max Mona Lisa Mixed Media Original Painting with ink and Collage 1996
By Peter Max
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Peter Max Title: Mona Lisa Medium: Mixed Media Original Acrylic Painting with ink and Collage Dimensions: 14" x 12" Year: 1996 Inscription: Signed "Max" on the bottom front D...
Paper, Acrylic
$9,500
Lady and Sailboat V. II No. 1 - Watercolor & Ink Psychedelic Art by Peter Max
By Peter Max
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Peter Max, German/American (1937 - ) Title: Lady and Sailboat version II #1 Year: circa 1995 Medium: Ink and Watercolor, signed u.l. Size: 15 in. x 18 in. (38.1 cm x 45.72 c...
Ink, Watercolor
Peter Max -- Land of The Free, Home of The Brave
By Peter Max
Located in BRUCE, ACT
Peter Max Land of The Free, Home of The Brave, 2006 Mixed-media with acrylic painting and color lithography on paper. A unique work Hand signed in acrylic low right. Image size 58...
Mixed Media
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
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
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Peter Max Signed Jumper Mixed Media Original Painting Over Lithograph
By Peter Max
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Peter Max Title: Jumper Medium: Mixed Media on Paper Size: 17" x 13" Year: c. 2000-2010 Inscription: Signed "Max" on front Peter Max Studio Registration number: Reg #: 158287...
Paper, Acrylic
Heart, Unique Mixed Media on Paper, Pop Art, Signed, 18 x 16 in. Framed, 2008
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 16 inches. Artwork size ...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Lithograph
Profile with Two Hearts, Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Signed, 2012
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. Custom framed as pictured. White frame with linen matting and hand painted file...
Canvas, Acrylic
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 1 Year: 2001 Medium: Acrylic on Canvas, Signed Size: 18 x 16 inches
Acrylic
Flag Original Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Framed, Pop Art
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Original acrylic painting on canvas. Hand signed upper front by Peter Max. Canvas size: 16 x 16 inches. Custom framed as pictured. Black frame and linen matting with hand painte...
Canvas, Acrylic
Umbrella Man with Profile, Original Mixed Media Drawing, Signed, 18x20
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Original mixed media drawing with watercolor on paper. Hand signed by Peter Max. Frame size 18 x 20 inches. Artwork size 12 x 13.75 inches. Artwork is in excellent condition. Cer...
Paper, Mixed Media, Watercolor
Umbrella Man Mixed Media Drawing, Watercolor on Paper, Signed, 11x15
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Original mixed media drawing with watercolor on paper. Hand signed by Peter Max. Frame size 17 x 21 inches. Artwork size 11 x 15 inches. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certif...
Paper, Mixed Media, Watercolor
Peter Max -- Goofy, 1994 - Original Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Signed
By Peter Max
Located in BRUCE, ACT
Peter Max Goofy, 1994 Original acrylic painting on canvas. Hand signed on the front. Studio catalogue number and date on verso. Studio catalogue number on the edge Size 41 x 36 x 2...
Acrylic
Cosmic Profile Mixed Media Drawing, Watercolor on Paper, Signed
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Original mixed media drawing with watercolor on paper. Hand signed by Peter Max. Frame size 18 x 20 inches. Artwork size 12 x 13.75 inches. Artwork is in excellent condition. Cer...
Paper, Mixed Media, Watercolor
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Peter Max Nicolae Gallerie Mixed Media Original Painting 32x24 1999
By Peter Max
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Peter Max Title: Nicolae Gallerie Medium: Mixed Media Original Acrylic Painting Dimensions: 32" x 24" Year: 1999 Inscription: Signed "Max" on the bottom front Documentation: ...
Paper, Acrylic
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Peter Max God Bless America Mixed Media Original Painting 24x18 2002
By Peter Max
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Peter Max Title: God Bless America Medium: Original Mixed Media Painting on Paper Dimensions: 24" x 18" Year: 2002 Inscription: Signed "Max" on the bottom front Documentation...
Paper, Acrylic
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Peter Max Large 38x50 Original Lady with Hat Signed 1982 Ink on Paper
By Peter Max
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Peter Max Title: Lady With Hat Medium: Original Ink on Paper Dimensions: 38" x 50" Year: 1982 Inscription: Signed and dated "Max 1982" on upper right "Lady With Hat" (1982) ...
Paper, Ink
Cosmic Flyer Original Mixed Media Drawing, Watercolor on Paper, Signed
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Original mixed media drawing with watercolor on paper. Hand signed by Peter Max. Frame size 17 x 21 inches. Artwork size 11 x 15 inches. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certif...
Paper, Mixed Media, Watercolor
Sailboat Sunrise Mixed Media Drawing, Watercolor on Paper, Signed
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Original mixed media drawing with watercolor on paper. Hand signed by Peter Max. Frame size 20 x 18 inches. Artwork size 13.75 x 12 inches. Artwork is in excellent condition. Cer...
Paper, Mixed Media, Watercolor
Spring Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Custom Framed, Signed by Peter Max
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Original acrylic painting on canvas. Hand signed and dated upper front by Peter Max. Canvas size: 20 x 16 inches. Custom framed as pictured. White frame and linen matting with h...
Canvas, Acrylic
Umbrella Man Original Mixed Media Drawing, Watercolor on Paper, Signed
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Original mixed media drawing with watercolor on paper. Hand signed by Peter Max. Frame size 18 x 20 inches. Artwork size 12 x 13.75 inches. Artwork is in excellent condition. Cer...
Paper, Mixed Media, Watercolor
Guru Original Mixed Media on Paper, Framed, Pop Art, 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 17 x 21 inches. Artwork size 11 x 15 inches. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certif...
Paper, Mixed Media, Watercolor
Profile with Red Hearts, 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. Custom framed as pictured. White frame with linen matting and hand painted filet. ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Profile (Green) Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Custom Framed, Signed
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Original acrylic painting on canvas. Hand signed and dated upper front by Peter Max. Canvas size: 24 x 20 inches. Custom framed as pictured. White frame and linen matting with h...
Canvas, Acrylic
Umbrella Man Mixed Media Drawing, Watercolor on Paper, Signed, 17x21 in Framed
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
Flag, Framed Pop Art Acrylic Painting with Collage by Peter Max
By Peter Max
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Peter Max, German/American (1937 - ) Title: Flag (Pink) Year: 2009 Medium: Acrylic and Collage on Paper, Signed Size: 11 in. x 8.5 in. (27.94 cm x 21.59 cm) Frame Size: 20 x...
Acrylic
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
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
Flag 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
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
Palm Beach Lady, Unique Acrylic Painting on Paper, Pop Art, Framed, 2007
By Peter Max
Located in Aventura, FL
Unique hand painting with acrylic on poster. Hand signed on front by the artist. Studio stamp on verso. Artwork size: 36 x 24 inches. Frame size: 49 x 37 inches. Custom framed as pictured. White frame and matting with a hand painted fillet. Artwork is in excellent condition. Peter Max...
Acrylic, Paper
Sailboat I, 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
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