Drei Figuren (Three Figures) [p. 82] 1927

Max Beckmann rendered this sketch of three figures in pencil on paper, with a page size of approximately 17 by 12 cm. Beckmann, as a German artist living through both World Wars, often used the human figure to explore themes of alienation and the search for meaning in a fragmented world. This sketch is a window into his process, and the rough and tentative lines capture a rawness of emotion. Germany in the early 20th century was a society in turmoil, grappling with the aftermath of war, economic instability, and the rise of new political ideologies. Art institutions had traditionally served conservative tastes and the sketch is a radical contrast to this. Beckmann challenges the establishment through art, pushing boundaries, and questioning the prevailing social structures of his time. To truly understand the socio-historical context of Beckmann's art, one might consult exhibition catalogs, biographies, and critical analyses of his work. The meaning of art is always contingent on the social and institutional context in which it is created and received.