Begonnene Studie, wohl Tanzende (Initial Sketch, Probably Dancers) [p. 25] 1918 - 1919

This initial sketch, probably of dancers, was made by Max Beckmann, in ink, on a page from a notebook. It’s funny to consider this small and simple sketch as a site of inquiry, but in fact, that's exactly what it is. These few lines are so open, they invite the viewer to wonder, and to consider the artist wondering too. What was Beckmann thinking when he put pen to paper? Was he at the ballet? Did he have an image in his head that he wanted to capture? The use of such a humble grid page also emphasizes the intimacy of the process. This wasn't meant for us, but now we get to enjoy the raw and simple joy of those lines. The beauty of leaving things open, inviting multiple readings…that’s what connects artists across time.