Kostümstudien von Hebräern (Hebrew Costume Studies) [p. 4] 

Max Beckmann made this sketch, "Hebrew Costume Studies," as part of his engagement with theatrical and historical themes. Beckmann came of age in Imperial Germany, a period marked by burgeoning nationalism and complex debates around identity. These costume studies offer a glimpse into how Beckmann perceived and translated “Hebrew” identity through clothing, pose, and presentation, likely for a theatrical production. The sketches could be seen as attempts to capture authenticity, but also risk perpetuating stereotypes. The figures, rendered in simple lines, evoke a sense of anonymity, inviting us to consider the complexities of representation and cultural appropriation. What do we make of the cultural narratives embedded in these sketches? How do they reflect both the artist's vision and the broader societal attitudes toward Jewish identity during a tumultuous period in European history? The emotional and personal dimensions of these depictions leave room for interpretation, inviting us to engage critically with the artist's perspective and our own.