Blick auf den Strand mit Booten 

Max Liebermann made this charcoal drawing "View of the Beach with Boats" at an unknown date. Liebermann, a German-Jewish artist, lived through a period of immense social and political change in Germany, including the rise of antisemitism. Here, the somber, almost melancholic scene deviates from traditional idyllic beach imagery. The muted tones and rough strokes evoke a sense of unease. The boats, typically symbols of leisure and escape, appear almost stranded, mirroring perhaps a feeling of displacement or uncertainty that was palpable during the period. Liebermann himself faced increasing marginalization during his career, particularly as the Nazi party gained power. His art was later labeled as "degenerate." This drawing then isn't just a depiction of a beach, but an exploration of identity, belonging, and the emotional weight of historical context. It invites us to consider the artist's own experiences reflected in this seemingly simple scene.