Artwork

Verhexte Tiere (Bewitched Animals)

Verhexte Tiere (Bewitched Animals), by Paul Klee, graphite, 1922
Verhexte Tiere (Bewitched Animals), by Paul Klee, graphite, 1922

Verhexte Tiere (Bewitched Animals) is a graphite drawing by Paul Klee. It dates from 1922 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Verhexte Tiere (Bewitched Animals) is a 1922 drawing by Paul Klee, created with graphite on paper mounted on its original support.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts four fantastical creatures with distorted forms, including a horse-like figure with an oversized ear and a crawling being with a hat. The animals' unnatural appearance suggests a playful yet unsettling quality.

Technique & Style

Klee's use of light, wavering lines gives the drawing a doodle-like quality, reflecting his emphasis on experimentation with form and visual composition.

Context

This work exemplifies Klee's eclectic style, which drew on various early 20th-century art movements, including expressionism, cubism, and surrealism, while showcasing his unique approach to drawing and color theory.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Paul Klee

Artist

Paul Klee

Paul Klee (German: ; 18 December 1879 – 29 June 1940) was a Swiss-born German artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.