Dream of War (Original Title)Blatt 10 aus der Mappe „Day and Dream“ 1946

Max Beckmann, a German artist, created this print called "Dream of War" as part of his "Day and Dream" portfolio. Beckmann served as a medical orderly in World War I, an experience that profoundly impacted his view of humanity and his art. This work reflects the deep psychological scars left by the war. The imagery is stark: a figure lies in what appears to be a makeshift bed or cart, bearing the sign "I Come Back." The return is not triumphant, but ghostly. The disfigured faces and disjointed composition capture the fragmented mental state of those who survived the conflict. Beckmann's prints often explore themes of alienation, trauma, and the human condition amidst chaos, engaging with the Expressionist movement's concerns with emotional and psychological realities. "Dream of War" serves as a haunting meditation on the human cost of war, inviting us to confront the often-unseen wounds carried by individuals and societies alike.