Weibliche Bildnisstudie im Profil (Female Portrait Study, Profile) [p. 31] 1918 - 1919

Editor: This is Max Beckmann’s “Female Portrait Study, Profile” from around 1918 or 1919. It’s a pencil drawing, sketched on what looks like graph paper. The lines are so delicate and searching. I am curious - what draws your eye when you look at this study? Curator: It's funny, the first thing I notice is that the figure feels both intensely present and strangely absent, wouldn't you agree? Those raw, searching lines capture something so fleeting about human consciousness. You almost feel you’re intruding on a private moment, catching her mid-thought. It’s like Beckmann is trying to nail down not just the likeness, but the *feeling* of the person. Editor: That feeling of intrusion makes sense. Do you think the sketch-like nature adds to that feeling? Curator: Absolutely. Think of it like this: expressionism is all about capturing raw emotion, and the sketchy lines, the incompleteness – it’s like a visual representation of internal struggle. It hints at something hidden. Makes you wonder what she’s thinking, right? Also, isn't it fascinating how much expression he conveys with just a few lines? Almost childlike. Editor: It’s interesting that he includes the little bird there by the neckline of the subject. Do you have any insights regarding that, maybe? Curator: Oh, the bird. It could be any number of things. Perhaps it's a symbol of freedom, aspiration... Or maybe Beckmann just thought it looked nice there. Perhaps the artist felt compelled to add lightness and optimism by portraying this bird. What’s your instinct? Editor: I suppose, the addition of the bird lends this picture more significance. Perhaps an effort from Beckmann to reveal a sense of something bigger than just portraiture. This makes me excited to look at other artists from the expressionist movement with an even closer eye. Curator: Exactly! Sometimes, the sketch is the most honest portrayal of them all! I will be looking into this a little bit further, also. Thanks for your insightful comments!