The Berlin-born Max Liebermann was the most important and influential German artist at the turn of the 20th century and formed a leading figure of German impressionism. After his education in Weimar, Liebermann, attracted by the new way of landscape painting of the Barbizon School, ventured to Paris. After living and working for some time in Munich, Liebermann finally returned to Berlin in 1884 where he remained for the rest of his life. He visited The Netherlands every year however, and in particular the North Sea, Katwijk and Scheveningen attracted him. Between 1884 and 1900 he also regularly visited the picturesque Dutch village of Laren. He also became close friends with Jozef Israëls (1824-1911), one of the leading figures of The Hague School. Liebermann painted the everyday life, with the hard working farmers and fishermen, but from about 1900 scenes from the bourgeoisie dominated: fashionable beach scenes, portraits, city parks and terraces. Liebermann received many honors and medals and was a member of several influential German artists associations.