Provenance
By descent to the artist's wife, Lily Klee (1876-1946), Bern [Paul Klee Foundation 2001]; Klee-Gesellschaft, Bern, to 1948 [Paul Klee Foundation 2001]. Buchholz Gallery, New York, about 1948 [Paul Klee Foundation 2001]. Given by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Shapiro, Chicago, to the Art Institute, 1996.
Accession Number
145859
Medium
Watercolor, with pen and brush and brown ink on ivory laid paper, laid down on tan wove paper.
Dimensions
310 × 458 mm (max.) (primary support); 442 × 591 mm (secondary support)
Classification
watercolor
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Shapiro
Background & Context
Background Story
Paul Klee's Dance to the Sound of Bells, Oboes and Violin evokes a multisensory experience combining visual art with music. Klee was a skilled violinist, and music was a constant inspiration.
Cultural Impact
Music was central to Klee's artistic practice, and many of his works reference musical structures.
Why It Matters
This work combines visual art with musical experience, reflecting Klee's lifelong engagement with music.
