junger Mann (Young Man) [p. 23] 

Max Beckmann’s “Young Man,” made with graphite on paper, invites us to consider the very essence of portraiture. With just a few lines, Beckmann captures a likeness, but more importantly, a mood. The simplicity of the materials – graphite and paper – belies the complexity of the artistic process. The artist's hand is evident in the varying pressure and direction of the lines, creating a sense of depth and volume. Graphite, a humble material, is transformed into a powerful tool for expression. The quality of the line speaks of control and precision, but also spontaneity. The choice of such a readily available medium also raises questions about the economics of art-making, and the democratization of creativity. The very act of drawing, a fundamental skill accessible to many, becomes a means of exploring human character. It invites a reevaluation of what we consider valuable in art, and the labor involved in its production.