Zwei Personen an einer Bar (Two Figures at a Bar) [p. 12] 

Max Beckmann sketched ‘Two Figures at a Bar’ with graphite on paper. A commonplace material, graphite, has been used by artists for centuries as a means to explore form, capture fleeting moments and create preliminary studies for larger works. Here, Beckmann’s gestural, sketchy strokes create a sense of immediacy, almost as if we are catching a glimpse of a scene unfolding in real-time. The texture of the paper becomes integral to the artwork; the tooth of the surface catches the graphite, adding depth and dimensionality to the drawing. This technique, more economical than painting, allowed Beckmann to rapidly capture scenes from modern life. In this case, a candid moment is created. In turn, the work highlights the act of seeing and recording, emphasizing that even the simplest of materials can convey complex narratives and evoke powerful emotions. It encourages us to look beyond the surface and consider the significance of the creative process itself.