Horse c. 1914 - 1915

Curator: Before us we have "Horse", a graphite drawing created around 1914 or 1915 by Max Beckmann. Editor: It feels quite melancholic. The animal's posture—head bowed, legs almost hesitant—gives the impression of weariness. Curator: That connects strongly with the era it was created in, just before and during World War One, when themes of fragility and anxiety permeated much of the art world. This simple subject becomes a study in the vulnerability of all living things during such upheaval. Beckmann’s position against German Nationalism caused him great suffering. This is further depicted by the influence of expressionism where artists were concerned with their emotional and psychological state. Editor: You can see that angst even in the lines themselves. They're wiry and restless, constantly moving, never settling into a smooth contour. It speaks to this underlying instability and tension that underscores the work. How much the shading has made the work as well. It creates depth and contrast giving form to the muscles of the horse’s body, creating a weight, a bulkiness, so different than the linear qualities everywhere else. Curator: Beckmann returned from military service disillusioned with the conflict and burdened with PTSD. That disillusionment, as you astutely pointed out, profoundly influenced his artistic style. Editor: It’s also a beautifully raw image. The stark graphite on paper captures an honesty, a sort of unvarnished reality, that transcends the specificity of time and place. Curator: It also challenges traditional artistic notions of portraying nature as idealized or heroic. Here, the horse is shown with imperfections, vulnerability and without pretense. This shift reflects a broader cultural reassessment after the war of established ideals. Editor: Right. And while rooted in a particular historical moment, the rawness that resonates continues to speak volumes today about human experiences. Curator: Indeed, a profound exploration rendered with striking artistic directness, that remains both deeply relevant and enduring. Editor: Agreed, "Horse" is ultimately successful by capturing universal struggles.