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
To the gallery's eye, Peter Max's most famous painting is Flag (1954). Head large and Statue of Liberty complete the trio every eye recognises. Of the 24 works by Peter Max in our catalog, the gallery presents the 23 most famous below, each original with its year, its museum and what makes it unique.
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 that come back most often in these originals, each with its finest example.
Every dated original by Peter Max on this page was made in 1954: here they are, the most famous first.
Pick a year to see its originals.
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). Head large and Statue of Liberty come next.
17 years old: Flag dates from 1954, and Peter Max was born in 1937.
Flag, Head large, Statue of Liberty, Runner, Girl, Liberty head, Statue of Liberty, Love, Posters and Untitled (648). The ranking above gives each one's year and museum.
Our catalog holds 24 works by Peter Max.
Retro design (3), Psychedelic (3) and Retro (2), across the 23 works on this page.
Pop art, judging by the originals 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.
