The mill 1947

"The Mill" (1947) by Max Beckmann (1884-1950) is a powerful and symbolic work that reflects the artist's response to the turbulent times following World War II. The painting features a group of figures, their bodies distorted and fragmented, trapped within a claustrophobic, grid-like structure. The figures appear to be struggling for freedom, their movements constrained by the bars. Beckmann’s powerful use of color, with its harsh contrasts and bold outlines, heightens the sense of anxiety and tension. This painting, typical of Beckmann’s mature style, is characterized by its expressionist approach, with a focus on emotional intensity and psychological depth.