Brink 1897

"Brink" is a drawing by Max Liebermann, who lived from 1847 to 1935, created with an unknown medium on paper. Liebermann was a leading figure in German Impressionism, a movement that often focused on landscapes and everyday scenes. Liebermann came from a wealthy Jewish family, a position that afforded him certain privileges but also made him a target during rising antisemitism in Germany. This drawing of a path through the woods, may seem apolitical, but in the context of Liebermann's life, it speaks to themes of belonging and exclusion. The forest, a traditional symbol of German identity, is here rendered in a way that feels both inviting and isolating. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth, but also of uncertainty. Where does this path lead? Who is allowed to walk it freely? Liebermann’s later work was condemned by the Nazi regime, and he was eventually ostracized from the art world. This image reminds us that even seemingly simple landscapes can carry complex emotional and historical weight, reflecting both personal experience and broader societal anxieties.