Männliche Bildnisstudie (Male Portrait) [p. 41] 

Here we see Max Beckmann's "Male Portrait," quickly sketched with pencil on paper. Notice how the figure thoughtfully touches his mouth. The gesture, seemingly simple, is heavy with historical precedent. Consider Rodin’s “The Thinker”, his hand resting on his chin, embodying profound contemplation. We can trace this lineage back further—to ancient depictions of philosophers and scribes, each hand-to-face a visual shorthand for intellectual engagement. It’s a gesture that transcends time, shifting from religious insight to secular thought, yet retaining its core connotation of introspection. Beckmann’s figure seems to carry this weight. The act of touching one's mouth might unconsciously tap into our collective memory. The drawing becomes a powerful, almost primal engagement with the act of thought itself. The non-linear, cyclical progression of this symbol, through history, resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings with each artist.