Frau mit Fackel und Kind (Woman with Torch and Child) [p. 1] 

Max Beckmann made this pencil sketch of a woman with a torch and child, on paper sometime before 1950. The sketch, an early idea, may have been associated with his theatrical work. Beckmann lived through World War I, the rise of Nazism, and World War II, so it’s no surprise his works often dealt with themes of suffering, redemption, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The torch and child motif can be found throughout history. The torch represents enlightenment, hope, and progress. The child often signifies innocence, potential, and the future. Beckmann may have been referencing classical allegories, while subverting them with his signature Expressionist style. By looking at Beckmann's biography and the intellectual history of early 20th century Germany, we can understand the social and cultural forces that shaped his vision. Only with detailed historical and cultural research can we fully appreciate the depth and complexity of his artistic statement.