Zwei begonnene Studien von Gesichtern (Sketches of Faces) [p. 50] 

Curator: Let’s turn our attention now to this intriguing page, "Zwei begonnene Studien von Gesichtern (Sketches of Faces) [p. 50]" by Max Beckmann. It's a humble pencil sketch. What are your immediate thoughts? Editor: Chaotic. My eye darts all over. There's a scattering of fragmented forms, as if multiple perspectives are battling for dominance on a single plane. The pencil line itself is agitated, nervous almost. Curator: Beckmann often explored themes of psychological tension and the fractured self in his work, aligning with the broader scope of German Expressionism. Here, in what appears to be studies of faces, we can see the human form deconstructed and reassembled. Editor: Indeed. The hatching and scumbling certainly create a sense of unease. Look at how the marks become almost violent around the jawline of the lower face. The fragmented nature disrupts any clear reading, pushing towards something unsettling. Is that intended or a consequence of the rapid style? Curator: The rapidity speaks volumes. Think about the historical context, too. These studies might have been preparatory sketches for a more fully realized artwork or rapid expressions from his psyche, a raw documentation of interior life shaped by wartime experiences and existential angst. The fragmented faces might mirror his feelings towards himself. Editor: You’re drawing on the powerful autobiographical readings in Beckmann’s output. Semiotically, that makes sense. We instinctively try to create unified images from these disparate marks and shapes, mirroring the impulse towards wholeness and healing within trauma. Curator: I think you’ve touched on something essential about its appeal and enduring power. Editor: Agreed. On reflection, the incomplete nature invites participation. We’re asked to fill the gaps, to reconstruct not just the faces, but also a sense of internal coherence in the face of disruption and displacement. Curator: A poignant note to end on. Thank you. Editor: Thank you.