
Lot 3629 - A211 Prints & Multiples - Thursday, 28. November 2024, 02.00 PM
PAUL KLEE
(Münchenbuchsee 1879–1940 Muralto)
Seiltänzer. 1923.
Colour lithograph. From the edition of 220 out of the overall edition of 300. Signed in pencil lower right: Klee, as well as dated and with the work number lower left: 1923 138. Image 44 × 26.7 cm on laid paper by BSB (with the 2 watermarks) 52.2 × 37.9 cm. Published by Verlag der Marées-Gesellschaft, R. Piper & Co. (with the blind stamp), Munich. Printed by Staatliches Bauhaus, Weimar.
From the portfolio "Kunst der Gegenwart".
From the portfolio "Kunst der Gegenwart".
Catalog raisonné:
One of Paul Klee's best-known graphic works is "Seiltänzer" from 1923, which appeared in the portfolio "Kunst der Gegenwart" together with other prints by various artists. In this period, Klee often worked with simple, geometric forms, which he assembled into complex figures. In "Seiltänzer", the figure is highly abstracted and consists of geometric elements that skilfully express the essence of balance and instability.
Here, Klee uses just one colour stone, leaving a broad straight cross in the centre of the picture, which defines the surface both vertically and horizontally. This static element also defines the coordinates of an imaginary space in which the linear scaffolding and the tightrope walker, printed in black, appear to float. By choosing a light pink colour, Klee creates a composition that conveys both artistic lightness and a profound exploration of the theme of balance.
The play of shapes and lines suggests balance in both the physical and metaphorical sense. The tightrope walker could be understood as an allegory of life: uncertainty, the constant striving for balance and the need to find stability in movement. Not least in questions of love - the "Seiltänzer" hovers above the suggested profile of a young woman.
Paul Klee, who is closely associated with the Bauhaus art movement, shows in this lithograph how art can be both playful and profound, using simple forms and colours to depict universal human experiences.
Here, Klee uses just one colour stone, leaving a broad straight cross in the centre of the picture, which defines the surface both vertically and horizontally. This static element also defines the coordinates of an imaginary space in which the linear scaffolding and the tightrope walker, printed in black, appear to float. By choosing a light pink colour, Klee creates a composition that conveys both artistic lightness and a profound exploration of the theme of balance.
The play of shapes and lines suggests balance in both the physical and metaphorical sense. The tightrope walker could be understood as an allegory of life: uncertainty, the constant striving for balance and the need to find stability in movement. Not least in questions of love - the "Seiltänzer" hovers above the suggested profile of a young woman.
Paul Klee, who is closely associated with the Bauhaus art movement, shows in this lithograph how art can be both playful and profound, using simple forms and colours to depict universal human experiences.
CHF 18 000 / 28 000 | (€ 18 560 / 28 870)
Sold for CHF 20 000 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.