flüchtiges Gesicht (Sketch of a Face) [p. 53] 

This is a sketch of a face by Max Beckmann, made with graphite on paper. The drawing is characterized by its ethereal quality, with sparse and fragmented lines capturing only a fleeting impression of a face. Beckmann uses minimal strokes to define the contours of the face, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth. These lines appear delicate, as if the image is on the verge of dissolving back into the blankness of the paper. The sketch reflects a modernist interest in capturing the essence of form rather than a detailed representation. It is less about portraying a specific individual and more about the nature of perception and memory. The incompleteness of the drawing invites viewers to engage actively, piecing together the fragmented elements to form their own understanding of the subject. This approach aligns with post-structuralist ideas about the instability of meaning and the role of the viewer in constructing interpretations. The sketch is a reminder that art is not just about what is shown, but also about what is suggested and left open to interpretation.