#18349 Max Klinger (1857-1920)

The drawing presents a figure in dynamic motion, seemingly caught mid-stride on a low wall or ledge. The subject is female, clad in what appears to be a long, flowing garment – likely a dress – that billows around her as she moves. Her right arm is raised above her head, the hand positioned near her face, while her left arm hangs loosely at her side. This gesture suggests either surprise, distress, or perhaps an attempt to maintain balance during the rapid movement.
The artist employed a technique that emphasizes texture and shadow through dense cross-hatching. The background is rendered with a particularly heavy application of this method, creating a sense of depth and obscuring any clear details beyond the immediate vicinity of the figure. This darkness contrasts sharply with the lighter tones used to depict the woman’s form, drawing attention directly to her.
The composition directs the viewers eye along a diagonal line created by the wall she traverses. The abruptness of this angle contributes to the feeling of urgency and instability conveyed by the scene. There are indistinct shapes visible in the background – suggesting foliage or perhaps other figures – but these remain largely undefined, adding to the overall atmosphere of mystery and potential threat.
Subtly, the drawing evokes a sense of vulnerability and isolation. The woman’s posture suggests she is fleeing something unseen, her expression unreadable but hinting at anxiety. The stark contrast between light and shadow could be interpreted as representing a struggle or conflict – perhaps an internal one. The lack of specific contextual clues allows for multiple interpretations; it might depict a moment of escape, a confrontation with the unknown, or even a symbolic representation of psychological turmoil.