Gefallener Reiter, from the series Intermezzi 1870 - 1920

Max Klinger created this etching, "Fallen Rider", as part of his "Intermezzi" series. Here, we see a stark image of a fallen horse and rider, lying lifeless beneath a large tree, while birds circle overhead. Klinger was working in Germany at a time of rapid industrialization and social change. His art often reflects a sense of unease with the modern world. Consider the image's visual codes, which resonate with a sense of Romantic melancholy, combined with the gritty realism of the etching medium. Does the fallen rider symbolize a loss of traditional values, or perhaps a critique of military culture? To fully understand the meaning of this print, we can research the cultural context in which it was made. What were the prevailing attitudes toward war, nature, and the role of the individual in society? By examining such sources, we can gain a richer understanding of the social and institutional forces that shaped Klinger's art.