Drei Figuren (Three Figures) [p. 7] 

Max Beckmann created this sketch, "Drei Figuren," using graphite on paper. His work often grapples with the tumultuous social and political landscape of early 20th-century Germany, and his personal experiences as a veteran in World War I profoundly influenced his artistic vision. Beckmann’s art often delves into the complexities of human relationships, portraying figures in ways that express emotional and psychological tension. In this sketch, the positioning of the figures, one seemingly floating above the others, evokes a sense of unease, hinting at themes of displacement and alienation. The sketched lines also embody the fragmented nature of identity and the emotional experience during times of social upheaval. Beckmann once said that art helps people "to find their way in the chaos of life". His figures seem to search for meaning and connection in a world that often feels disjointed. Beckmann's raw, unfiltered sketches serve as a potent reminder of our shared humanity.