“The Three Sisters” is an artwork by Max Beckmann, a renowned artist known for his vital contribution to the Expressionist movement. This genre painting captures a slice of life through Beckmann’s distinct style that emphasizes emotional experience over physical reality. The portrayal in this piece reflects the artist’s exploration of humanity and the complexities of life during and after World War I — a recurring theme throughout his works. The title suggests familial intimacy, while the style aligns with the broader motives of the Expressionist era, characterized by exaggerated forms, contorted figures, and vivid colors.
Upon examining the artwork, three women are depicted in close proximity to one another, with expressions that hold a narrative quality. Their features, though human, are not presented with an aim to achieve realistic representation. Instead, the figures manifest a sense of psychological depth, a hallmark of Expressionism. The angular lines of their limbs and the contrasting color palette elevate the emotional intensity of the scene. Fruit and personal effects can be discerned at the feet of the figures, adding to the ordinariness of the setting and perhaps grounding the narrative in everyday life. The backdrop is colored with broad strokes and the scene possibly takes place in a balcony-like space, implying an openness to the world beyond. Beckmann’s keen ability to channel the inner turmoil and psychological complexities of his subjects into visual form is evident in the way the figures interact and carry themselves within the space of the canvas.
