Action (Handlung)

1878/1880

Max Klinger

Associated Names
Max Klinger

Artist, German, 1857 - 1920

The image shows a man in a pinstripe suit and bow tie bending over with one arm extended, a woman in a long dress facing away, two individuals conversing, and a small dog playing or chasing something. In the background, there are dense trees, a large gazebo with ornate detailing, a railing, and round street lamps.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching in black on chine collé

  • Credit Line

    Anonymous Gift

  • Dimensions

    plate: 29.9 x 21 cm (11 3/4 x 8 1/4 in.)
    sheet: 53.9 x 34.8 cm (21 1/4 x 13 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1995.82.2

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Singer 1909, no. 114, State i/vi (proof)

Associated Artworks

See all 10 artworks
This is a drawing of a group of people in front of a building. The individuals are elegantly dressed and standing or seated, engaged in conversation. There are chairs, a railing, and large windows in the background. A small dog is also seen in the scene. The drawing is realistic, depicting a social gathering with attention to detail in clothing and architecture. The setting suggests a moment of community and social interaction in the 19th century.

Place (Ort)

Max Klinger

1880

A Glove (Ein Handschuh), Opus VI

Max Klinger

1880

The image shows a detailed scene with a blend of natural and human elements. A person is seated with their head resting in their hand, next to a lit candle on a small table. The etching style includes delicate, fine lines and cross-hatching, creating depth and texture. Tall, slender trees with small flowers extend upwards, leading towards rolling hills in the distance. The horizon is placed high in the scene, emphasizing the expansive view of the landscape and sky. The color palette is monochromatic, ranging from deep blacks to lighter grays.

Yearnings (Wünsche)

Max Klinger

1878

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Carus Gallery, New York; private collection; gift to NGA, 1995.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2009

  • The Darker Side of Light: Arts of Privacy, 1850-1900, Hammer Museum, Los Angeles; NGA; Smart Museum of Art, Chicago, 2009 - 2010

Bibliography

1909

  • Singer, Hans Wolfgang. Max Klingers Radierungen, Stiche und Steindrucke. Berlin, 1909 (republished 1978 by Martin Gordon, New York).

1977

  • Varnedoe, J. Kirk T. with Elizabeth Streicher. Graphic Works of Max Klinger. New York, 1977: 80-81 (Postscript to A Glove).

1984

  • Carey, Frances and Antony Griffiths. The Print in Germany 1880-1933: The Age of Expressionism. London and New York, 1984: 44.

Inscriptions

lower left to lower center below image in graphite: Préambule II. "Sachverhalt" (the state of things); lower left below plate mark in graphite: Oeuvre 6 Un Gant no. II.; upper right above image in plate: II.

Wikidata ID

Q75396709

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