Born in 1856 as the third son of a wealthy metal manufacturer, Max Lieberg was given all the freedom to become an artist. He first took lessons at the Kassel Academy, then in 1873 he became a student at the famous Düsseldorf Academy. These years were decisive for his further artistic development. Lieberg was a much sought-after history and genre painter and was a member of the Düsseldorf artists' association Malkasten.