Drei kleine Skizzen mit Bezeichnung (Three Small Sketches with Inscriptions) [p. 49] 

Here are three small sketches with inscriptions by Max Beckmann. Beckmann, who lived through both World Wars, often explored themes of violence, alienation, and social injustice in his work. These sketches provide insight into Beckmann's creative process, revealing the raw and unfiltered ideas that would later be developed into larger paintings and prints. The chaotic lines and fragmented forms mirror the fractured state of German society during the early 20th century. Beckmann, like many artists of his time, grappled with the trauma and disillusionment that followed the collapse of traditional values and the rise of extremism. The inscriptions accompanying each sketch offer further clues into Beckmann's state of mind. Though cryptic, they suggest a sense of urgency and a desire to capture fleeting thoughts and impressions. The artist once stated, "Art is the creative result of a life". These sketches, then, are a testament to the power of art to confront the harsh realities of the world, while also offering a glimpse of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.