Schlafender Mandrill (Sleeping Mandrill) [p. 24] 

Max Beckmann sketched this sleeping mandrill with graphite on paper. Beckmann lived through both World Wars, an experience that deeply marked his art, leading him to explore themes of suffering, resilience, and the human condition. Beckmann, like many artists of his time, engaged with animal subjects to explore the boundary between the human and the animal. His use of animals often mirrors his perception of human behavior, reflecting a society grappling with rapid change and moral ambiguity. This drawing captures the vulnerability and raw emotion that are hallmarks of Beckmann’s style. The mandrill, an animal known for its striking appearance and complex social behaviors, is rendered in a moment of repose, inviting viewers to reflect on the nature of existence and the search for inner peace amidst external chaos. Beckmann’s mandrill reminds us of our shared vulnerability and the moments of respite we seek in a world often defined by turmoil.