Beckmann Sketchbook 50

1943-1947

Max Beckmann

Associated Names
Max Beckmann

Artist, German, 1884 - 1950

The image displays swirls and irregular shapes across the surface. The abstract design could evoke thoughts of rough stone surfaces or intricate wood grain patterns. The dark brown color interspersed with lighter veins suggests layers or texture. The overall effect is one of organic chaos, with familiar natural patterns appearing through repeated, overlapping shapes.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    sketchbook with 23 sketches (including one on inside front cover) in graphite, pen and black, brown, and gray ink on lined paper; 4 sheets of writing and calculations; 23 blank page; four sheets are missing.

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mrs. Max Beckmann

  • Dimensions

    book: 24.2 x 18 x 5 cm (9 1/2 x 7 1/16 x 1 15/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1984.64.27.1-22

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Zeiller/Presler 2010, 864-883

Associated Artworks

See all 22 artworks
The image displays a loose sketch composed of flowing lines and shapes. At the top, an abstract figure resembling a person crouching and holding a round object is depicted. Below, more abstract shapes and lines suggest buildings or an urban setting, with one part resembling a person with a prominent nose indicating a face. The arrangement of shapes and figures creates an abstract depiction conveying movement and activity.

Seiltänzer (Tightrope Walker) [p. 1]

Max Beckmann

1884

The image shows an array of lines and shapes on a lined notebook page. The overlapping elements create an abstract composition. The scribbles form a dense pattern, resembling a tangled web with circular forms and sharp angles. Some lines imply familiar shapes like hills or rivers. The abstract drawing encourages viewers to interpret the design in multiple ways.

Mehrfigurige Szene (Figural Scene) [p. 3]

Max Beckmann

1884

The image shows a design of loose, flowing lines and bold, circular shapes in an abstract arrangement. The lines create intricate patterns resembling overlapping figures. Each of the three sections offers a different abstract depiction; the top section appears fluid and intertwined, the middle panel has angular and dynamic lines, and the bottom section shows elongated shapes. The sketches evoke a sense of movement and allow for various interpretations such as musical instruments or human forms.

Drei Skizzen mit Bezeichnung (Three Sketches with Inscriptions) [p. 4]

Max Beckmann

1884

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Mrs. Max Beckman, Peoria; gift to NGA, 1984.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2007

  • Max Beckmann in Amsterdam: 1937-1947, Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, 2007, no. 98 (The Tight Rope Walker on sheet 8 recto reproduced).

Bibliography

2010

  • Zeiller, Christiane, Gerd Presler.Max Beckmann : die Skizzenbücher = the sketchbooks. II. Ostifildern, 2010: 864-883. nos. 1r, 2r, 3 r/v, 4r/v, 5 r/v, 6 r/v, 8 r/v, 9 r/v, 10 r/v, 11 r/v, 13r, 15v, 16r, 18r.

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