Provenance
John Thompson [Paul Klee Foundation 1999]. Given by Helen Keeler Burke, Winnetka, Ill. to the Art Institute, 1991.
Accession Number
117436
Medium
Watercolor and black ink transfer, with pen and black ink, touches of red gouache, and traces of graphite, on cream laid paper, laid down on cream wood pulp laminate board
Dimensions
27.8 × 43.8 cm (11 × 17 1/4 in.)
Classification
watercolor
Credit Line
Gift of Helen Keeler Burke
Background & Context
Background Story
Paul Klee's Transplant Metaphysical (1920) is a work by the Swiss-German painter known for his individual style synthesizing Expressionism, Cubism, and Surrealism. Klee was a Bauhaus teacher and one of the most inventive artists of the 20th century. This work shows his characteristic blend of abstraction, symbolic imagery, and wit.
Cultural Impact
Klee was one of the most original artists of the 20th century, known for his playful, poetic abstraction.
Why It Matters
This work from 1920 shows Klee's characteristic blend of abstraction, symbolism, and imagination.
