Frau mit Hut (Woman with a Hat) [p. 33] 

This is Max Beckmann's sketch, "Woman with a Hat," created on a sheet of paper. Beckmann lived through both World Wars and the rise of fascism, experiences that profoundly marked his art. Here, the woman's hat casts a shadow, partially obscuring her face. Her gaze is cast away from us, and her expression seems contemplative, or perhaps even burdened. The loose, almost frantic lines, give us a sense of the emotional undercurrents that defined much of Beckmann’s work. Beckmann's art often grapples with the complexities of human existence. His subjects, rendered with stark realism, seem to bear the weight of their experiences. Beckmann was part of the New Objectivity movement, which sought to portray a more objective view of reality. He once said that, "to reproduce the object is of no consequence," rather the artist is seeking to tap into the undercurrent of the world. Consider how the sketch invites us to contemplate the inner lives of women during a period of immense social and political upheaval. It captures a sense of resilience amidst the turmoil of the early 20th century.