Sisyphus 1914

"Sisyphus" is an etching by German artist Max Klinger, created in 1914. This print depicts the mythical figure Sisyphus, condemned to eternally roll a boulder uphill, only to have it roll back down. Klinger's rendition emphasizes the futility of Sisyphus's task by showcasing his physical strain, while simultaneously depicting figures at the summit, seemingly unaffected by Sisyphus's perpetual struggle. The dramatic use of chiaroscuro and the detailed depiction of the landscape contribute to the emotional impact of this powerful work.