#18398 Max Klinger (1857-1920)

The drawing presents a figure seemingly emerging from a swirling mass of hair and drapery. The central subject is female, with long, flowing hair that cascades down and blends into the surrounding fabric. She holds aloft what appears to be a staff or scepter, pointing towards a large crescent moon dominating the upper portion of the composition. A rocky outcrop forms a visual base for her stance, grounding the otherwise ethereal scene.
The artist employed a dense hatching technique throughout, creating a sense of texture and depth within both the figure and the surrounding environment. The intricate detailing in the hair and drapery suggests an emphasis on elaborate ornamentation and perhaps a connection to folklore or mythology. The moon’s prominence could symbolize illumination, guidance, or feminine power – themes often associated with lunar imagery.
The decorative border frames the central scene, incorporating stylized floral motifs and what appear to be aquatic creatures. This ornate framework reinforces the fantastical nature of the subject matter and elevates it beyond a simple depiction. A rectangular panel positioned centrally below the main image contains text identifying Fritz Gvrlitts Kunst & Kunstgewerbe Ausstellung Berlin 1881, indicating this drawing served as promotional material for an exhibition focused on art and decorative arts in Berlin. The inclusion of “Fantasie Vad Künstlerkind” (Fantasy of an Artist Child) above the panel suggests a youthful or imaginative origin for the work, possibly hinting at a connection to artistic apprenticeship or a naive perspective.
The overall impression is one of romanticism and fantasy, likely intended to evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue in viewers attending the exhibition. The drawing’s aesthetic aligns with late nineteenth-century trends favoring elaborate detail and symbolic imagery.