#18333 Max Klinger (1857-1920)

The drawing presents a scene of urban unrest, rendered in a stark, high-contrast style suggestive of lithography or etching. A dense crowd dominates the foreground, their faces largely obscured by shadow and the hurried nature of their postures. They appear to be surging forward, propelled towards an unseen focal point beyond the immediate view. The figures are tightly packed, creating a sense of claustrophobia and collective momentum.
Behind this throng rises a cityscape, dominated by substantial buildings with classical architectural elements – cornices, pediments, and a prominent spire that pierces the sky. These structures suggest a setting of established authority or civic importance. A large, cylindrical structure on the right bears text in an unfamiliar script, likely intended to convey a sense of foreignness or institutional presence.
A plume of smoke or debris erupts from behind the buildings, partially obscuring them and adding a layer of visual chaos. The artist has used hatching and cross-hatching techniques extensively to create texture and depth, particularly within the crowd and in the depiction of the architectural details. This technique also contributes to the overall sense of agitation and unrest.
The composition directs attention towards the spire, which acts as a symbolic marker of stability or perhaps even oppression, depending on interpretation. The contrast between the orderly architecture and the agitated mass of people suggests a conflict between established order and popular dissent. The obscured faces of the crowd contribute to their anonymity, transforming them into representatives of a broader social force rather than individuals with distinct identities.
Subtly placed details – such as the man in the foreground wearing a top hat and another holding what appears to be a weapon – hint at class distinctions and potential violence within the scene. The overall impression is one of suppressed tension, impending confrontation, and a palpable sense of societal upheaval.