Regardless of the cliches associated with Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), Max Beckmann (1884-1950), and Willem de Kooning (1904-1997) in the "public" private sphere, their exploration of the theme "woman" go far beyond one-sided definitions. Their portrayals of women are highly nuanced; they have a significance of their own and time and again become sensitive reflections of social and political problems and upheavals. They are not simply surfaces upon which are projected male longings and desires, but catalysts for a confrontation with the artist's own life and history (Picasso), while in Beckmann's work they are completely free, independent counter-images. De Kooning sees them as a separate force within which culminate opportunities for artistic expression. Contributions by art historians, authors, sociologists, and artists approach the theme from a variety of perspectives.