Die Chaussee, from the series Vier Landschaften 1883

Max Klinger made this etching, “Die Chaussee,” or “The Road,” as part of a portfolio called “Four Landscapes.” In late 19th-century Germany, artists like Klinger sought to express modern sensibilities through printmaking, embracing its graphic qualities. The composition evokes the loneliness and alienation felt by many during the period. Its stark contrast and stark geometry seem to echo the rapidly changing social landscape of a nation undergoing industrialization. The image presents a dirt road lined with trees, receding into the distance. This was a period when rapid industrialization and urbanization were reshaping German society. We could ask whether the straight road stands as a metaphor for relentless progress? And what might the artist be saying about the relationship between nature and technology? Through careful research into the art and literature of the period, and by exploring the cultural and political debates of the era, we can gain a deeper understanding of what Klinger was trying to communicate about his changing world.