On the Rails, plate eight from On Death, Part I 1889

Max Klinger created this etching, titled 'On the Rails', as part of his series "On Death, Part I." Klinger was working in Germany during a time of rapid industrialization and social change. Here, a skeleton lies across train tracks set against a stunning alpine landscape, its state a stark contrast to the sublime beauty surrounding it. The train tracks can be viewed as a symbol of modernity and the relentless march of time, while the skeleton reminds us of our mortality. The masks around the border evoke a sense of the theater of life, a reflection of Klinger’s interest in exploring the psychological depths of human existence. The image also reflects the alienation that accompanied modernization, with the individual rendered powerless against the forces of progress. Klinger grapples with themes of isolation, anxiety, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. The emotional resonance of this print lies in its ability to evoke a sense of unease, inviting us to contemplate the darker aspects of the human condition.