Schafender Tiger (Sleeping Tiger) [p. 38] 

Max Beckmann rendered this quick sketch of a sleeping tiger with pencil on paper. The tiger, in many cultures, is a symbol of power, ferocity, and primal energy, often linked to royalty and courage. Yet here, the tiger is subdued in sleep. This juxtaposition reminds us of similar depictions across time, such as the lions adorning ancient Egyptian thrones, symbols of regal might, but also creatures vulnerable in repose. We can trace this duality back through heraldic emblems of medieval Europe, where beasts of prey embodied both dominion and the constant need for vigilance. Consider the psychological weight: even the mightiest creatures must yield to rest, exposing a universal vulnerability. This hints at the Freudian concepts of latent content, where subconscious forces shape even the most overt displays of power. The image engages us, stirring a subconscious understanding of vulnerability, not just in the animal kingdom, but perhaps within ourselves. So, the sleeping tiger, it is not merely a representation of an animal, but a cyclical motif that continues to reappear, echoing through cultural memory and evolving in meaning, stirring the depths of human emotion and understanding across time.