weibliche Bildnisstudie mit Hut (Woman in a Hat) [p. 84] 

Here is a sketch made by Max Beckmann, a study of a woman in a hat, captured with simple pencil strokes. The hat, with its zigzag pattern along the brim, is the focal point; this motif echoes patterns found in ancient textiles and ceramics. Such geometric designs were not merely decorative; in many cultures, they possessed apotropaic qualities, believed to ward off evil and protect the wearer. Consider how this protective symbolism has evolved, appearing in different contexts from ancient Greek armor to modern fashion. The hat, framing the face, draws the viewer's eye, creating an intimate yet distant connection. This echoes throughout art history, where portraiture serves as both a record and an emotional conduit, inviting viewers to ponder the sitter's inner life. The act of portraying someone wearing a hat can convey powerful emotional states, like vulnerability and protection, which continue to engage us on a subconscious level, reminding us of the cyclical nature of human experience and its symbols.