Zwei Figuren (Two Figures [p. 51] 

This pencil drawing, “Zwei Figuren,” meaning "Two Figures," was created by German artist Max Beckmann. Beckmann lived through both World Wars, an experience that deeply impacted his artistic vision. His work often grapples with themes of alienation, suffering, and the search for meaning in a fractured world. In this sketch, two figures are intertwined, their forms blending together in a way that obscures any clear distinction between them. Is this intimacy or struggle? The ambiguity invites us to consider the complex relationships between individuals and the blurred lines that define our interactions. Beckmann once said, "Art is the mirror of the soul." In this drawing, he holds up that mirror, reflecting the anxieties and uncertainties of a world in turmoil. The raw, almost frantic energy of the lines speaks to a deep emotional intensity, inviting us to contemplate our own place within the human drama.