Mehrfigurige Kompositionsskizze (Figural Sketch) [p. 29] 

This is a pencil sketch titled "Mehrfigurige Kompositionsskizze", or "Figural Sketch," by Max Beckmann. Beckmann, who lived from 1884 to 1950, was a German artist who grappled with the turbulent years of the early 20th century. As a veteran of World War I, Beckmann was deeply affected by the trauma and moral bankruptcy he witnessed. His art often reflects a sense of alienation and existential angst, themes which align with the broader "New Objectivity" movement in Germany. Beckmann once stated, "To reproduce the object without wanting to say what it means, that is nonsense." This sketch provides a glimpse into Beckmann's process. The overlapping figures, rendered in a raw, almost chaotic manner, may reflect the societal disarray and psychological fragmentation of post-war Germany. Rather than offering traditional representations of harmony or order, Beckmann presents a world fraught with tension. The sketch’s emotional power lies in its ability to evoke a sense of unease, which invites us to contemplate the human condition amidst historical and personal turmoil.