"When following the path of German graphic art from Klinger to date, one notices that a great number of artists felt an urge to create graphic cycles. Dramatic events and the resulting impressions ask for cyclic conceptions. [.] A mind like his [Klinger's], to whom content was of great importance, [.] could not overlook the drastic changes of social reality. [.] From the hectic urban life, of which he also knew the dark side, [Klinger] used dramatic events and destinies and depicts them accusing intention and true solicitousness. [.]. The depiction of social tragedies in 'Dramen' from 1883 is even more true-to-life and generally valid accounts of the days. A time in which Naturalism began to gain foothold in German literature. Its objective of an exact observation and profound knowledge of the milieu and a precise description thereof, Klinger also chose an exact localization of the settings in the 'Dramen' and a matter-of-fact and realistic account of the events. [.] The 'Dramen' marked the highlight of his Realism. The mature graphic achievement and a new sound of truth in contemporary art earn the artist first academic merits and a gold medal in Berlin." (Gerhard Pommeranz-Liedtke, Der Graphische Zyklus. Von Max Klinger bis zur Gegenwart, Berlin 1956, pp. XI f.). "The title in combination with the sheets fully explain the series' content. The most dramatic moments of six tragic events from everyday life are captured in two sheets each. The tremenduous effect of these compositions is owed to the fact that they are based on very clear and striking thoughts. The observer does not need a title or an explanation to grasp them." (WVZ Singer, p. 55).