#18292 Max Klinger (1857-1920)

The drawing presents a scene dominated by a central figure on horseback, positioned prominently in the foreground. He is depicted with one arm raised high, holding what appears to be a hat or helmet aloft. This gesture suggests triumph, leadership, or perhaps a call to action directed towards the city visible in the background. The rider’s attire – a tunic and what seems like armor – indicates a position of authority, likely military or royal.
Beside him, seated on the same mount, is a figure with wings, suggesting an allegorical or divine presence. This companion reinforces the central figures elevated status, potentially portraying him as divinely sanctioned or blessed. The rendering of this winged being lacks detailed features, contributing to its symbolic rather than realistic nature.
The landscape itself is rendered in a stylized manner. A dense field of tall grass fills the lower portion of the composition, obscuring much of the ground and creating a sense of vastness. Behind the figure, a city rises with numerous towers and spires, hinting at prosperity or perhaps conquest. In the distance, snow-capped mountains loom under a cloudy sky, adding depth to the scene and contributing to an atmosphere of grandeur and scale.
The artist employed strong contrasts in light and shadow, creating a dramatic effect that emphasizes the central figure and his gesture. The use of hatching and cross-hatching techniques contributes to the texture and tonal range of the drawing.
Subtly, there is a crowd of figures visible beneath the horse, partially obscured by the tall grass. Their indistinctness suggests they are secondary to the main narrative – perhaps representing subjects or followers. The overall impression conveyed is one of power, leadership, and perhaps the arrival of a significant figure into a city, possibly marking an important historical moment or symbolic transition.