Preface I, plate two from A Life 1884

"Preface I, plate two from A Life" is an etching by Max Klinger from 1884, currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago. The artwork is part of a series of etchings that depict a fictional story, "A Life," which was written by the artist himself. In this particular plate, the narrative is presented through a scene of three figures in a woodland setting. The use of dark tones and detailed etching technique contribute to a somber and suggestive atmosphere, evoking the psychological depths of the characters. Klinger's use of dramatic imagery, coupled with his narrative approach, exemplifies his mastery of Symbolism, a prominent artistic movement of the late 19th century.