Portrait of Mink with Violet Shawl

Max Beckmann’s first wife, Minna Beckmann-Tube, affectionately called “Mink,” is depicted here in a simple black gown with her long hair swept back. She sits gazing apprehensively to the side, her hands clasped with her little finger extended at an awkward angle. The violet shawl around her shoulders outlines the form of her body, causing her to stand out from the mottled gray background. According to Beckmann-Tube, the rich purple color of her “old shawl” inspired this portrait. Beckmann-Tube also trained as an artist, though she later pursued a career as an opera singer.