The German painter and printmaker was known for his emotionally intense works. Although often classified as an Expressionist, Beckmann rejected both the term and the movement. In the 1920s, he aligned with New Objectivity, a movement that emerged from Expressionism, emphasizing a more realistic and detached approach, in contrast to its emotionalism. Even when depicting lighter subjects like circus performers, Beckmann's work often carried an undercurrent of moodiness or unease.