Männliche Bildnisstudie (Male Portrait) [p. 37] 

This is a pencil sketch entitled "Männliche Bildnisstudie (Male Portrait)" by Max Beckmann. The drawing presents a raw and immediate impression through its stark lines and simplified forms. Beckmann’s strategic use of line—bold in some areas, tentative in others—creates a sense of depth. The face is a study in contrasts, with sharp, angular features balanced by softer, more ambiguous shapes around the hair. The overall composition, confined within the sketchbook’s dimensions, adds to the intimacy of the piece. Beckmann was part of the New Objectivity movement, a style that favoured realism and a sober reflection of society. Notice how this sketch destabilizes established meanings of portraiture. The artist challenges traditional ideals of beauty by revealing the starkness of the human condition, which is characteristic of his broader artistic and philosophical concerns. Ultimately, the power of this work lies in its formal qualities, which create a space for ongoing interpretation.