#18323 Max Klinger (1857-1920)

The drawing presents a figure in dynamic motion within a vaguely architectural setting. A woman, seemingly draped in flowing fabric, is caught mid-gesture, her arms raised and one leg extended forward as if shes stepping into or out of the frame. The fabric billows around her, creating a sense of movement and instability. Her face exhibits an expression that could be interpreted as either anguish or ecstatic release; the downturned mouth and furrowed brow suggest emotional turmoil.
The background is rendered with dense hatching, obscuring specific details but contributing to a feeling of confinement and perhaps even oppression. Two fluted columns flank the central figure, hinting at a classical or monumental structure, yet their solidity contrasts sharply with the woman’s precarious stance. A large urn, overflowing with foliage, sits atop one column, adding an element of decorative grandeur that feels somewhat detached from the emotional intensity of the scene.
At the base of the composition, a scattering of leaves and what appears to be a fallen lantern suggest a disruption or abandonment. The text KAPIRUNGEN is positioned above the figure’s head, its meaning unclear without further context but potentially serving as a title or thematic marker.
The artist employs strong contrasts between light and shadow, achieved through meticulous cross-hatching, to emphasize the drama of the scene. This technique also contributes to a sense of depth and texture, while simultaneously creating an atmosphere of mystery and unease. The overall effect is one of psychological tension – a portrayal of a moment of crisis or transformation, where the figure seems poised between two states of being.