Seiltänzer (Tightrope) [p. 26] 

Max Beckmann’s drawing, "Seiltänzer (Tightrope)", presents us with an intimate glimpse into the artist's visual world. Made with pencil on paper, the work encapsulates Beckmann’s navigation through the tumultuous early 20th century. Beckmann lived through both World Wars, witnessing firsthand the collapse of societal norms. Here, the figure on the tightrope becomes a metaphor for the precariousness of human existence, especially poignant given the climate of political instability and social anxiety that permeated the Weimar Republic. We feel this tension in the jagged, uncertain lines. The image invites us to consider the roles we play, and the balance we attempt to maintain. It serves as a reminder of our own vulnerabilities and the complex balancing act we perform in our daily lives. In its stark simplicity, "Seiltänzer (Tightrope)" speaks volumes about the human condition.