Portrait of Peter Max

Your Guide to the 23 Most Famous Peter Max Paintings

Updated October 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 24 works by Peter Max in our catalogue

In short

Peter Max's best-known piece is Flag (1954). Next on the list are Head large and Statue of Liberty. We have 24 works by Peter Max in our catalogue; this guide picks out the 23 best known, with the year, the museum and the story of each piece.

1937 – 2026, Berlin Pop art

The 10 Peter Max paintings to know first

1
Flag (1954) by Peter Max

Flag

1954 · Oil On Canvas

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.

2
Head large by Peter Max

Head large

Painting

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…

5
Girl by Peter Max

Girl

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.

Numbers 11 to 23: more Peter Max paintings

What Peter Max painted most

The four subjects that come up most often in these pieces, each with its best-known example.

Year by year: the best-known Peter Max pieces

The dated Peter Max pieces on this page all come from 1954. Here they are, in order of fame.

Works per year

Pick a year to see its pieces.

Peter Max: quick answers about the paintings

What is Peter Max's best-known painting?See the answer

Top of the list is Flag (1954). Right behind it: Head large and Statue of Liberty.

What age was Peter Max when creating Flag?See the answer

17 years old. Peter Max was born in 1937, and Flag dates from 1954.

What are Peter Max's top 10 paintings?See the answer

Flag, Head large, Statue of Liberty, Runner, Girl, Liberty head, Statue of Liberty, Love, Posters and Untitled (648). You'll find the year and the museum of each in the list above.

How many works by Peter Max are in your catalogue?See the answer

We have 24 works by Peter Max in our catalogue.

Which subjects did Peter Max paint most often?See the answer

Retro design (3), Psychedelic (3) and Retro (2), out of the 23 pieces on this page.

What style or movement is Peter Max known for?See the answer

Pop art, as you can see in the pieces on this page.

Peter Max's story

A Journey Through Color and Culture

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.

Artistic Evolution and Iconic Imagery

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.