Max Kuehne
Oct. 31, 2023 — March 31, 2024
Max Kuehne (1880-1968) was one of the most talented and versatile artists to work on Cape Ann during the 20th century and CAM is pleased to present a special spotlight exhibition of his work in the center of the Fitz Henry Lane Gallery. Examples of Kuehne’s decorative furniture, paintings and etchings are included and will be on display through February.
Born in Germany, Kuehne was brought to this country by his parents as a child; he made his first visit to Cape Ann in 1912, already working to establish himself as an artist in New York art circles. After traveling and painting in Europe in the 1920s, he returned to his area, eventually becoming a permanent summer resident of Rockport and an active member of the town’s summer art colony. While Max Kuehne excelled at painting and printmaking, he was perhaps best known as a decorative wood carver, creating picture frames, standing screens, chests of drawers and tables, each featuring incised gesso finishes embellished with tempera and silver leaf. His furniture was particularly well received and in 1932 he was given a solo exhibition of cabinet pieces and screens at the Arden Gallery in New York City.
The works included in this exhibition are from CAM’s permanent collection and from the collection of the Sandy Bay Historical Society in Rockport.