This is a drawing of an animal lounging in a tree and a figure in another tree. The scene depicts a bear sitting comfortably on a tree branch, surrounded by foliage and trees. Above the bear, a figure is perched on another branch, gazing downward. The composition captures a serene natural setting, with intricate linework to define the trees, leaves, and the textures of the bear's fur. The sky is depicted in the background with soft shades suggesting a landscape in the distance. The artwork's attention to detail in rendering the leaves, branches, and characters contributes to the tranquil mood of the drawing, creating a harmonious interaction between nature and the figure.
Read the visual description

This is a drawing of an animal lounging in a tree and a figure in another tree. The scene depicts a bear sitting comfortably on a tree branch, surrounded by foliage and trees. Above the bear, a figure is perched on another branch, gazing downward. The composition captures a serene natural setting, with intricate linework to define the trees, leaves, and the textures of the bear's fur. The sky is depicted in the background with soft shades suggesting a landscape in the distance. The artwork's attention to detail in rendering the leaves, branches, and characters contributes to the tranquil mood of the drawing, creating a harmonious interaction between nature and the figure.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Bear and Elf (Bär und Elfe): pl.1

Max Klinger

Date
published 1881
Medium
etching and aquatint
Dimensions
image: 39.3 x 22.5 cm (15 1/2 x 8 7/8 in.) plate: 41.7 x 28.2 cm (16 7/16 x 11 1/8 in.) sheet: 62.3 x 45 cm (24 1/2 x 17 11/16 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
2001.132.56
Credit line
The Epstein Family Collection
Time span
1851 to 1875
Department
CG-E

Portfolio and series

Series
Intermezzi, Opus IV (Singer 52-63)

Subjects and terms

  • etching
  • German
  • aquatint
  • Flower
  • Woman
  • Tree
  • Female nude
  • animal
Provenance

Mr. Lionel C. Epstein and Family, Washington, D.C.; gift to NGA, 2001.

Inscription

lower left in plate: MAX KLINGER; lower right in plate: I

NGA object ID 74930. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.