Seated Woman (Sitzend nach rechts, Halbbild)

The drawing Seated Woman (Sitzend nach rechts, Halbbild) by Gustav Klimt, created around c. 1915, offers an intimate look at the Austrian master’s draftsmanship during the final years of his career. Classified as a preparatory or finished study, this delicate work utilizes pencil and colored pencil on paper, showcasing the artist’s sensitive and economical handling of line. The use of varied pressure in the pencil allows Klimt to define the contours and emotional quality of the sitter with remarkable immediacy, while the subtle application of colored pencil provides soft tonal modeling, differentiating skin from garment.

As a leading figure in the Vienna Secession movement, Klimt dedicated much of his practice to depicting the female form, often blending realism with decorative abstraction. This drawing, however, avoids the elaborate surface patterning found in his iconic “Golden Period” works. Instead, the focus is squarely on the sitter, rendered in a Halbbild (half-figure) format, emphasizing psychological depth over pure ornamentation. The subject is captured in a moment of repose, turning slightly to the right, a pose suggesting introspection. The shift towards this more direct, less allegorical manner was typical of Klimt’s output in the period immediately preceding his death in 1918.

While Klimt is internationally recognized for his complex oil paintings, his extensive body of drawings provides critical insight into his process and rapid mastery of form. Hundreds of such works were created as he prepared for major commissions, yet they stand individually as significant pieces of early 20th-century Austrian modernism. This specific piece is held within the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), contributing to its depth in European drawing. Due to the high historical value of works from this period, reference images and prints of key drawings like Seated Woman (Sitzend nach rechts, Halbbild) are often made available through public domain resources, ensuring continued scholarly access and appreciation of the artist’s profound legacy.