Portrait Sabine Hackenschmidt (Portrait of Sabine Hackenschmidt) [p. 15] 

Max Beckmann created this small pencil drawing, Portrait Sabine Hackenschmidt, with just a simple graphite pencil on paper. It's a traditional art material, but Beckmann uses it in a way that feels raw and immediate. The quick, assertive strokes give the portrait an unfinished, almost anxious quality. You can see the pressure he applied, varying the darkness of the lines to suggest form and shadow. This directness is part of the drawing's appeal; it feels like we're witnessing the artist's thought process. Beckmann was working in a time of great social upheaval, and his art often reflects this. While this portrait doesn't explicitly depict labor or class issues, the very act of drawing – a relatively accessible and direct medium – contrasts with the grand, commissioned portraits of the wealthy. It's a humble yet powerful way to capture a person's likeness. So, next time you look at a drawing, consider the materials, the making, and the context. It's a reminder that even the simplest materials can carry profound meaning.