Zuschauer (A Vista) [p. 33] 

This pencil drawing by Max Beckmann depicts figures, seemingly spectators, characterized by their attire and detached observation. The top hats and formal wear evoke a sense of bourgeois society, reminiscent of a bygone era fascinated with appearances and social roles. Consider the parasol: Initially a symbol of status and protection, it has morphed through time, reappearing in various guises – from ceremonial objects in ancient rituals to fashion accessories in modern times. The act of observing, implied by the title "A Vista," connects to a deep-seated human impulse to witness and record, a concept that mirrors my own work. Beckmann captures not just the image of spectators but also the psychological distance inherent in the act of observing, a detachment that allows for both analysis and, perhaps, a form of voyeurism. This voyeurism has its roots in ancient rituals and practices where observing was a spiritual undertaking, or where the gaze holds power and insight.