#15743 Otto Muller (1874-1930)

The drawing presents a scene set within a natural environment, likely near water. Five figures populate the composition; all appear unclothed. The artist has employed a loose, expressive line quality throughout, creating a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. Hatching and cross-hatching are utilized to suggest shading and volume, though the overall effect remains predominantly monochromatic.
A central figure stands in profile, holding an object – possibly a cigarette or similar implement – to their mouth. This individual’s posture is erect, suggesting a degree of self-assurance or observation. To the left, another figure leans against a tree trunk, their body angled towards the viewer. A fourth person crouches low to the ground, seemingly engaged in some activity near the waters edge. The fifth figure appears to be entering or exiting the water, partially submerged and rendered with quick, gestural strokes.
The surrounding vegetation is depicted through dense clusters of lines, creating a sense of overgrown wildness. A backdrop of foliage suggests a secluded location, reinforcing the feeling of privacy and intimacy within the scene.
Subtleties in posture and arrangement hint at a narrative beyond mere depiction. The central figure’s gaze seems directed outward, potentially observing or interacting with the other individuals. The crouching figures activity remains ambiguous – it could be gathering something from the water, or perhaps engaging in a more playful interaction. The overall impression is one of casual leisure and uninhibited physicality within a natural setting. Theres an element of voyeurism inherent in the viewer’s position; we are presented with a private moment captured without explicit permission. This contributes to a sense of tension between observation and intrusion.