Standing Woman (Stehende Schwangere mit reich ornamentiertem Gewand nach rechts)

The drawing Standing Woman (Stehende Schwangere mit reich ornamentiertem Gewand nach rechts) by Gustav Klimt, created circa 1905, showcases the artist’s mastery of line and design in the fundamental medium of pencil on paper. This detailed, vertical composition depicts a pregnant woman turned toward the right, her body largely concealed beneath an elaborately patterned gown. Classified as a drawing, this work offers crucial insight into the technical precision and iterative process required for Klimt’s more complex, gold-laden paintings from this mature period.

Executed during the height of the Vienna Secession movement, this Austrian drawing exemplifies Klimt's evolving style c. 1905. The piece highlights the characteristic tension between naturalistic rendering and heavy abstraction. While the figure’s posture and the suggestion of volume beneath the fabric retain a sense of realism, the heavy, almost symbolic ornamentation of the gown dominates the visual field. Klimt frequently utilized graphite and soft pencil for preparatory studies, allowing him to work out complex compositional arrangements and decorative motifs before transitioning to oil and mixed media. The contrast between the simple, quick outlines of the face and the densely worked patterns on the attire underscores his unique approach to the human figure.

This significant example of early 20th-century figurative art is part of the esteemed collection at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). The piece demonstrates Klimt’s dedication to merging the corporeal human form with abstract decorative surfaces, a theme central to his artistic output during this time. As a preparatory study from a pivotal moment in the artist's career, it remains highly studied by historians and artists alike. High-quality prints of this important drawing are widely sought after, especially as many of Klimt’s detailed studies from this era have entered the public domain, ensuring broad public access to his technical brilliance and design innovation.