Around the turn of the century Klimt developed a new ornamental and decorative style for his wall and ceiling decorations at the Vienna University. He combined the naturally rendered physical forms with abstract, mosaic-like colorful surface patterns. The university's directorate strongly objected his work and a legal dispute followed. In 1905 he had to pay his fees back but kept the rights to his designs. This drawing is a study for the image of the law faculty (Novotny/Dobai 128). Klimt composed the elegant and elongated filigree figure with just a few poised lines and thus delivers proof of his graphic mastery.