Christian Sectarian (Christlicher Sectierer) is a seminal work by Paul Klee, executed in 1920. Classified as a drawing, this piece showcases the artist's innovative approach to mixed media, specifically utilizing the intricate process of oil transfer drawing combined with delicate watercolor washes, all applied to paper and mounted on board. This technique allows for a highly controlled, linear foundation from the oil transfer, which is then overlaid with the softer, more luminous effects of the watercolor, creating a distinctive and layered visual texture.
The work was created during a period of prolific output for Klee, just as his influence within the German art scene solidified following his association with the Bauhaus school. The subject matter reflects Klee’s consistent interest in character types, often rendered with a sense of ironic detachment or subtle satire. The abstracted figure of the sectarian is defined by geometric simplicity, yet maintains an expressive, almost rigid posture characteristic of spiritual or dogmatic figures. This visual language aligns with the broader cultural introspection found in German art during the early 1920s, a time marked by political instability and spiritual questioning following World War I.
Klee consistently used the drawing medium to explore the relationship between line, color, and psychological space. The highly controlled, almost diagrammatic execution here differs from some of his more spontaneous later watercolors, offering insight into his precise methods for developing forms. This influential piece is regarded as a key example of Klee’s ability to synthesize abstraction and figuration, placing him at the forefront of European Modernism. Today, this drawing resides in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where it contributes to the understanding of the development of abstract art during the pivotal year of 1920. As a major work by Klee, high-quality prints and related documentation of the original often become available through public domain resources, ensuring continued accessibility for scholars and enthusiasts.
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