Hermann Max Pechstein began his artistic career as an apprentice to a decorative painter from Zwickau. In 1903, he enrolled in the Dresden Academy. In 1906, he graduated with top honors and a scholarship to study in Italy. On his return, he visited Paris where he befriended Kees Van Dongen. In 1906, he joined Die Brucke. In 1910, he moved permanently to Berlin where he was elected President of the Neue Secession…