{"product_id":"four-girls-by-august-macke-1912","title":"Four Girls by August Macke, 1912","description":"\u003cp\u003eAugust Macke’s \u003cem\u003eFour Girls (1912–1913)\u003c\/em\u003e, dated to 1912, gathers four figures into a compact, vertically organised garden scene. Their brightly coloured dresses form the composition’s centre of gravity, set against dense vegetation in deep and varied greens. Although the group appears calm, the painting is far from static: overlapping bodies, tilted heads and shifting passages of blue, yellow, pink and orange create a gentle visual rhythm, while the dark tree trunk at the right acts as a firm framing device.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMacke was a leading figure in German Expressionism and a key member of Der Blaue Reiter, the Munich-based avant-garde association that sought new expressive possibilities in colour and form. Made during the extraordinarily productive final years before his death in 1914, \u003cem\u003eFour Girls\u003c\/em\u003e reflects his distinctive response to early twentieth-century modernism. Rather than using distortion for psychological intensity, Macke often brought a lucid, colour-rich order to scenes of everyday life. Here, ordinary social encounter becomes an arrangement of interlocking shapes, luminous contrasts and decorative pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA closer look\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe four girls are positioned in a loose semicircle, close enough for their garments and silhouettes to overlap. Each is distinguished by colour rather than laborious detail. A blue dress provides one of the strongest cool notes, its pattern and folds articulated by lighter accents; nearby, warmer pink and yellow passages prevent the group from merging into the surrounding foliage. The central figure’s pale yellow hair catches the light particularly strongly, creating a small radiant focus amid the greens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMacke keeps the illumination soft and diffuse, avoiding theatrical shadows. This even light allows colour itself to structure the scene. The dresses stand forward through their brightness, while the wooded setting is built from darker leaves, upright stems and broad areas of green. Along the lower edge, plants press into the foreground, visually enclosing the group. At upper left, heavier foliage adds depth and weight; towards the upper right, a glimpse of blue and pale cloud opens the otherwise closely packed composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSmall details temper the bold simplification. The edge of a straw hat introduces a dry, ochre note, while subtle tonal shifts give the pink garment a sense of volume. Flecks of red and white appear among the upper greenery, brief accents that connect the figures’ clothing with their surroundings. Faces are restrained and serene, subordinated to the larger orchestration of colour, yet differences in gaze and inclination preserve a sense of individual presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eContext and significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDer Blaue Reiter artists did not share a single visual style, but they were united by an interest in moving beyond straightforward naturalism. Macke’s contribution was often distinguished by its clarity and warmth: recognisable people and places remain visible, yet they are reorganised through simplified contours and saturated colour. In \u003cem\u003eFour Girls\u003c\/em\u003e, the wooded setting is therefore more than a descriptive backdrop. Leaves, trunks, dresses and bodies are treated as related pictorial units, giving the scene the coherence of a carefully balanced design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe painting’s appeal lies in this equilibrium between observation and abstraction. It remains an intimate study of four figures assembled outdoors, but it also demonstrates how decisively Macke could transform everyday experience through colour. The result is lively without agitation, decorative without becoming merely ornamental, and characteristic of an artist whose mature career was compressed into a remarkably brief period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoosing the right size and finish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eArtwork can feel intimate at smaller sizes and dramatically more architectural at larger ones. Use the room preview, model image and size guide to see how the proportions and scale will work in your space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you need an exact size, specialist framing or help planning a larger display, \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eask our workshop for advice\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this art print.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, or one considered visual detail. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/map-personalisation\"\u003eSee examples of personalised artwork\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoose Original to retain the colour and character of the source artwork, or Aged for a warmer, more antique appearance. \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/pages\/sepia-aged-maps\"\u003eSee examples of our Aged artwork\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery piece is produced to archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte art paper. Choose an art print, framed art print or framed canvas using the finish options above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFramed art prints use crystal-clear optical acrylic for excellent clarity, lower weight and safer delivery than glass. Each piece arrives professionally framed and ready to hang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSelected artworks can be produced at statement sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). Custom sizing and \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/pages\/custom-framing\"\u003especialist framing\u003c\/a\u003e are also available. If the exact option you need is not listed, \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003econtact our workshop\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"8x10in (20x25cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59973132681600,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"8x10in (20x25cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59973132714368,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"8x10in (20x25cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59973132747136,"sku":null,"price":70.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59973132779904,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59973132812672,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59973132845440,"sku":null,"price":70.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59973132878208,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59973132910976,"sku":null,"price":105.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59973132943744,"sku":null,"price":110.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59973132976512,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59973133009280,"sku":null,"price":105.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59973133042048,"sku":null,"price":110.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59973133074816,"sku":null,"price":57.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59973133107584,"sku":null,"price":130.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59973133140352,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59973133173120,"sku":null,"price":63.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59973133205888,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59973133238656,"sku":null,"price":160.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59973133271424,"sku":null,"price":63.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59973133304192,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59973133336960,"sku":null,"price":160.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59973133369728,"sku":null,"price":77.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59973133402496,"sku":null,"price":205.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59973133435264,"sku":null,"price":220.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59973133468032,"sku":null,"price":84.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59973133500800,"sku":null,"price":230.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59973133533568,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59973133566336,"sku":null,"price":84.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59973133599104,"sku":null,"price":230.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59973133631872,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59973133664640,"sku":null,"price":110.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59973133697408,"sku":null,"price":305.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59973133730176,"sku":null,"price":305.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59973133762944,"sku":null,"price":110.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59973133795712,"sku":null,"price":305.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59973133828480,"sku":null,"price":305.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59973133861248,"sku":null,"price":145.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59973133894016,"sku":null,"price":765.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59973133926784,"sku":null,"price":720.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59973133959552,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59973133992320,"sku":null,"price":920.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59973134025088,"sku":null,"price":865.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59973134057856,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59973134090624,"sku":null,"price":1400.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59973134123392,"sku":null,"price":1300.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59973134156160,"sku":null,"price":415.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59973134188928,"sku":null,"price":1875.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59973134221696,"sku":null,"price":1750.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_be94fe6e-c8d7-42fd-a869-54f0c05c03b2.jpg?v=1790366858","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.co.uk\/products\/four-girls-by-august-macke-1912","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}