Zwerg (Small Man) [p. 47] 

Max Beckmann sketched this "Small Man", or "Zwerg" in German, using graphite on paper. This figure, with its cap and exaggerated features, evokes the archetype of the medieval jester or fool. The jester's symbolism is rich and contradictory. In the courts of old, they held a unique position, offering commentary on power through humor. This figure has roots stretching back to ancient Roman festivals, where similar characters mocked authority and social norms. The jester is not merely comic relief, but a subversive figure, embodying both wit and vulnerability. Consider how this archetype appears in Shakespearean drama, where fools often possess a deeper understanding than kings. In Beckett’s "Waiting for Godot," the tramps Vladimir and Estragon echo this dynamic, their clownish banter masking profound existential truths. The persistence of the jester motif, with its blend of humor and pathos, speaks to our collective psyche. This is a reminder that those on the margins often hold a mirror to society, revealing uncomfortable truths with disarming candor. The jester serves as a poignant reflection of our own follies and contradictions.