Elefant (Elephant) [p. 27] 

This simple sketch of an elephant was made by Max Beckmann at an unknown date. Elephants have appeared in various contexts throughout history, each imbuing the animal with distinct symbolic meaning. In ancient times, particularly in Eastern cultures, elephants were revered as symbols of wisdom, strength, and good fortune. They were often associated with royalty and used in ceremonial processions. Yet, in Western art, elephants are rarer, often perceived through the lens of exoticism and power, as seen in depictions of Hannibal's crossing of the Alps. Here, the elephant is rendered in a few strokes. The emotional resonance of the image relies on the viewer's unconscious associations with the animal. The collective memory of the elephant, laden with cultural significance, stirs deep, subconscious recognition. Beckmann’s sketch reminds us that symbols are never fixed but evolve across time and culture.