liegende Frau mit in Strümpfen (Woman in Stockings) [p. 39] 1927

Max Beckmann made this pencil drawing, "Woman in Stockings," on paper. Beckmann was a German artist whose work often reflected the turbulent social and political climate of the Weimar Republic and the rise of Nazism. This sketch, with its intimate portrayal of a woman, hints at the anxieties and complexities of human relationships during a time of societal upheaval. The voyeuristic perspective and the woman's partial disrobement create a sense of vulnerability, perhaps mirroring the fragility of individual lives amidst broader social instability. Beckmann's experiences in World War I profoundly influenced his artistic vision. His work often features distorted figures and claustrophobic spaces, reflecting the psychological toll of war and the sense of alienation that pervaded post-war society. Historians examining this drawing might consult contemporary social commentaries, literature, and political writings to understand its cultural significance.