Night, from On Death Part I 1888 - 1889

Max Klinger created this etching, "Night," as part of his series "On Death Part I." Klinger was a symbolist artist working in Germany at a time of rapid industrialization. His art often grapples with themes of mortality, isolation, and the search for meaning in a changing world. In this print, we see a lone figure seated by the sea, his face cast in shadow, seemingly lost in thought or sorrow. Overhead, fantastical creatures emerge from the clouds, perhaps representing the anxieties and uncertainties of modern life. Klinger was part of the LGBTQ+ community, as evidenced by his numerous depictions of male nudes and homoerotic themes. His explorations into the male form are a reminder of the complex ways in which artists can challenge societal norms through their work. In a time of great societal upheaval, Klinger uses a dreamlike, symbolic language to explore the human condition, reminding us of our shared vulnerability in the face of the unknown.