#18343 Max Klinger (1857-1920)

The drawing presents a scene of ritualistic significance unfolding near what appears to be a body of water. Two female figures dominate the composition; one stands above the other, engaged in an action involving long strands of dark hair. The upper figure holds two substantial clumps of hair, seemingly severed from the seated woman below. This act is rendered with a certain solemnity, and the posture of the standing figure suggests both authority and perhaps a degree of melancholy.
The seated woman’s expression conveys a complex mixture of resignation and vulnerability. She appears to be collecting the fallen hair into a dark cloth or basket held in her lap. Her pose is relaxed yet passive, indicating an acceptance of the procedure taking place. The depiction of her body emphasizes its natural form, with careful attention paid to anatomical detail.
The background establishes a landscape setting. Palm trees are visible on the horizon line, suggesting a tropical locale. The water’s surface reflects light in a manner that creates a sense of depth and atmosphere. A cluster of dark, indistinct shapes rises from the water – these could be reeds, rocks, or perhaps symbolic representations of something submerged.
The subtexts within this drawing are layered and open to interpretation. The act of cutting hair often carries symbolic weight, frequently associated with loss, transformation, mourning, or sacrifice. Here, it is presented as a deliberate ritual, performed by one woman upon another. This could suggest themes of female bonding, initiation rites, or perhaps even subjugation and power dynamics within a social structure. The landscape setting contributes to the sense of isolation and timelessness, elevating the scene beyond a simple depiction of everyday life. The overall effect is one of quiet drama and understated emotional intensity, inviting contemplation on the nature of ritual, identity, and female experience.