Group of Circus Artists 1920

Max Beckmann made this drawing of a group of circus artists at an unknown date with graphite on paper. The sketch is all about capturing a fleeting moment, the feeling of movement and life backstage. Beckmann’s lines are quick, gestural, and full of energy. They remind me of Picasso’s sketches, but with a darker, more anxious edge. Look at the way he renders the faces – elongated, distorted, each with a unique expression of either boredom or preoccupation. It's like he's trying to capture not just their physical appearance, but their inner state, their personalities. The whole composition feels very dynamic, chaotic almost. The lines crisscross and overlap, creating a sense of depth and layering. It's as if we're catching a glimpse of the performers as they prepare to go on stage, a behind-the-scenes peek into their world. It's this roughness, this immediacy, that makes the drawing so compelling. It’s a reminder that art isn’t always about perfection, but about capturing a moment, a feeling, a truth.