Updated October 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 24 works by Peter Max in our catalogue
Summary
The most widely known painting by Peter Max is Flag (1954). The next entries are Head large and Statue of Liberty. The catalogue documents 24 works by Peter Max; the 23 entries below are the best known, listed in rank order with date, holding museum and description.
Peter Max's Flag, painted in 1954, is far more than a simple representation of the Stars and Stripes. It’s a dynamic visual statement – a youthful reimagining of American identity at a moment of profound global transition. This artwork doesn’t just depict patriotism; it *interprets* it, offering a bold and enduring commentary that continues to captivate viewers.
A woman’s face emerges from a field of saturated color. Yellow, blue, red, green, and orange collide upon her skin, mapping her features in a pop art language. Her eyes remain open, fixed and steady. A single large yellow star rests on the left, a sharp geometric interruption to the organic curves of her neck and hair. Polka dots drift through the composition like colorful debris in a dream. The…
Peter Max's "Girl" is a captivating illustration that embodies the vibrant spirit of the late 1960s and early 1970s psychedelic art movement. This artwork presents a beautiful woman as its central figure, enveloped within a dreamlike landscape teeming with fantastical elements. The piece isn’t merely a portrait; it's an immersive experience, drawing the viewer into a world of swirling patterns, bold colors, and imaginative forms.
The four subjects most frequently represented among these works, each with its best-known example.
All dated works by Peter Max listed on this page are from 1954; they are given below in rank order.
Select a year to display its principal paintings.
Peter Max's Flag, painted in 1954, is far more than a simple representation of the Stars and Stripes. It’s a dynamic visual statement – a youthful reimagining of American identity at a moment of profound global transition. This artwork doesn’t just depict patriotism; it *interprets* it, offering a bold and enduring commentary that continues to captivate viewers.
Flag (1954). The following entries are Head large and Statue of Liberty.
17 years: Peter Max was born in 1937 and Flag is dated 1954.
Flag, Head large, Statue of Liberty, Runner, Girl, Liberty head, Statue of Liberty, Love, Posters and Untitled (648). The list above records the date and holding museum of each.
The catalogue records 24 works by Peter Max.
Retro design (3), Psychedelic (3) and Retro (2), out of the 23 works listed on this page.
Pop art, as documented by the works on this page.
Born Peter Max Finkelstein in Berlin, Germany, the artist's early life was marked by significant movement. Following the shadows of Nazi Germany, his family sought refuge in Shanghai, China, in 1938. This period of immersion in Chinese culture, including the sights and traditions of Buddhist temples, left a lasting impression on his perspective. The family later moved to Haifa, Israel, in 1948, where Max began formal art training under Professor Hünik, a Viennese Expressionist. After a brief time in Paris, where he studied Fauvism at the Louvre, the family settled in Brooklyn, New York, in 1953. He later refined his skills at the Art Students League of New York and the School of Visual Arts, studying anatomy and composition under Frank J. Reilly.
In 1962, Max co-founded The Daly & Max Studio in Manhattan, producing advertising art and illustrations that utilized antique photographic images. His work became synonymous with the 1960s, characterized by a style featuring vibrant colors, psychedelic imagery, and cosmic themes inspired by astronomy. He achieved mainstream popularity through the 1968 7-Up advertising campaign. His diverse portfolio includes:
Max's subjects often included celestial imagery, floral motifs, and portraits of prominent figures, such as various U.S. presidents and Taylor Swift. He served as the official artist for major events, including the Grammy Awards and the Super Bowl. Throughout his career, he remained a prolific creator, exploring various media and even designing livery for aircraft.
