Two Studies for a Crouching Woman

Two Studies for a Crouching Woman is a powerful graphite drawing by Gustav Klimt, executed between 1914 and 1915. This specific work exemplifies the artist's intense focus on capturing the internal life and physical presence of the female figure during the final decade of his career. Rendered entirely in graphite on paper, the drawing showcases Klimt’s masterful yet decisive line work, utilizing both delicate shading and bold contours to define the subject. The classification as a drawing underscores its role as a preparatory study, characteristic of the extensive visual inventory the Austrian master built up for his final large-scale paintings.

The piece features two distinct yet related studies of the same model. The figures are captured in a deep, introspective posture, suggesting states of vulnerability or repose. The subject matter directly addresses the intimacy of sleeping women, depicted either crouching defensively or resting while wrapped entirely in themselves. Created during the difficult years of World War I, the work reflects the continuous evolution of Klimt's style, moving away from the highly ornate, symbolic patterns of his earlier Golden Period towards a more direct and expressive naturalism, where the line itself carries profound psychological weight.

This graphite drawing is held in the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as an important reference for understanding the breadth of Klimt's artistic production beyond his well-known oil canvases. The emphasis on the sensual, often hidden, aspects of the female form is a central theme in the artist's oeuvre. Given its historical importance and collection status, high-quality prints and digital reproductions of this work are frequently shared through resources dedicated to providing access to public domain art, helping to sustain the lasting legacy of Klimt.