Weibliche Bildnisstudie (Female Portrait Study) [p. 66] 

This is a sketch of a woman’s face in pencil by Max Beckmann. Beckmann lived through both World Wars, an experience that deeply marked his art and his perspective. Here, the woman's features are roughly drawn, almost as if caught in a fleeting moment. Her eyes, though simply rendered, gaze upwards. We can see some darker strokes around the hair. While a sketch, it’s not just a study of form; it’s an exploration of personhood. Beckmann sought to capture something beyond mere physical likeness. His portraits often reflect a fractured sense of self, mirroring the instability of the times. In a world turned upside down by conflict and uncertainty, Beckmann's art sought to give form to the psychological complexities of modern life. What might this woman be thinking? What future awaits her? Perhaps in her gaze we can see not just a face, but a reflection of humanity itself.