Pegasus and the Young Bellephron 1870 - 1920

"Pegasus and the Young Bellerophon" is a pencil drawing on paper by German artist Max Klinger, dating from 1870-1920. The drawing depicts the mythical winged horse Pegasus, with the hero Bellerophon perched on its back, as he prepares for flight. This work is a study for Klinger's famous oil painting "Bellerophon Taming Pegasus," which was commissioned for the National Gallery in Berlin in 1900 and now resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The drawing demonstrates Klinger's fascination with mythology and his ability to capture movement and energy in a simple yet powerful composition. The intimate size of the drawing allows for close examination of Klinger's expressive line work and masterful use of shading. The work is a testament to Klinger's versatility as an artist and a valuable insight into the creative process behind his larger, more ambitious canvases.