Mann im verlorenen Profil (Man Turned Away) [p. 62] 

Max Beckmann made this drawing, Man Turned Away, on a sheet of paper sometime in the first half of the twentieth century. The sketch offers a glimpse into the artist's mindset, reflecting a sense of alienation prevalent in post-war Germany. Beckmann, associated with the New Objectivity movement, captured the psychological climate of a society grappling with the trauma of war. The man’s averted gaze speaks to a broader theme of detachment. Made in Germany, this work may reflect the social and political turmoil of the Weimar Republic, marked by economic instability, hyperinflation, and political polarization. The 'lost profile' could symbolize a loss of identity or direction in the face of overwhelming social change. To truly understand this drawing, we delve into historical archives, scrutinizing Beckmann's biography, and exploring the cultural milieu of his time. The meaning of art always remains contingent on the social and institutional contexts in which it emerges.