Old Man with Two Skeletons; verso: Untitled [Head] c. 1924

Editor: This is Lovis Corinth's sketch, "Old Man with Two Skeletons." The spidery lines and morbid subject matter create a somber mood. What’s your take on this image? Curator: Corinth’s work reflects anxieties about mortality prevalent in late 19th- and early 20th-century Europe. The art market was increasingly fascinated with psychological themes. Do you think the figure's posture suggests resignation or defiance? Editor: Perhaps resignation, given the slumped shoulders. This makes me wonder about the cultural attitudes surrounding aging and death during Corinth’s time. Curator: Exactly! It challenges us to consider how societal fears and the commodification of art intersect in shaping the artist’s vision. Editor: I see. So the market's interest in darker themes influenced both the subject matter and Corinth's approach. Curator: Precisely. Understanding that relationship enriches our understanding.