zwei Figuren (Two Figures) [p. 15] 1944 - 1949

Max Beckmann made this drawing of Two Figures with graphite on paper. The composition is dominated by a series of loosely rendered lines, creating a sense of ambiguity and unfinished exploration. The light grey lines sketch out two figures, their forms overlapping and merging, challenging a clear separation between them. The lines, varying in weight and direction, suggest movement and tension, contributing to a dynamic, albeit unresolved, visual experience. The use of line to define shape but also to disrupt it points to a kind of existential questioning, typical of Beckmann's concern with the human condition. This work is less about depicting recognizable figures and more about using the formal elements of drawing – line, space, and composition – to evoke a mood of unease and reflection. The open-ended nature of the drawing invites viewers to project their own interpretations onto the scene, underscoring art's capacity to stimulate thought and emotion rather than provide definitive answers.