weibliches Profil mit Hut, Notizen (Woman with Hat, Notations) [p. 39] 

Max Beckmann made this sketch, "Woman with Hat, Notations," on paper without a specific date. It’s a window into the artist's process, revealing how a likeness emerges alongside textual musings. Beckmann, situated in Germany, was deeply affected by the turbulent social conditions of the early 20th century. The notations scrawled across the page offer an intriguing contrast to the elegance of the hat-wearing woman. They suggest Beckmann’s engagement with mathematical or financial considerations, possibly reflecting the economic anxieties prevalent during the Weimar Republic. Was he commenting on the social disparity of the time? Did the sitter represent the bourgeoisie? To fully appreciate this work, one could delve into Beckmann's biography, examining letters, diaries, and contemporary press. Such primary sources illuminate the socio-political context that shaped his artistic vision. Through this research, we understand art not as existing in a vacuum, but as a product of its time.