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Max Klinger's sculpture 'Bathing Girl' is one of the Leipzig-born sculptor's major works. The bronze is based on an almost life-size marble sculpture that Klinger made in 1896/97. With the artist's consent, the Berlin foundry H. Gladenbeck & Sohn produced several smaller bronze versions in various sizes, making The Bather widely available and one of Klinger's best-known works. August von der Heydt donated this version to the Stadtmuseum Elberfeld in 1904.

With its graceful posture and elegant, slightly twisted pose, the sculpture exudes classical grace - from all angles. The artistically modelled details and the harmonious lines of the body are revealed by circling the sculpture. The figure was modelled on Helene Donath, who served as Klinger's nude model for many years. The bather, reflected in the surface of the water, is deeply rooted in the tradition of classical depictions of Venus, but stands out for her particular graceful pose. Klinger sought to strike a balance between classicism and new forms of expression and movement in sculpture.