Kosmische Composition, 1919 by Paul Klee is an important early geometric abstraction executed in oil on cardboard, which was later mounted onto wood by a third party. This painting dates to a critical phase in Klee's career following World War I, where he solidified his focus on abstraction, seeking to create visual parallels to universal, rhythmic, and cosmic structures.
The composition utilizes elemental geometric forms-squares, circles, and straight lines-to suggest a sense of organized, yet dynamic, celestial space. This method allowed Klee to explore the visual dynamics of color theory and movement, establishing the groundwork for the more complex abstract vocabulary he would develop during his tenure at the Bauhaus. Klee consistently sought to integrate the principles of music and mathematics into his pictorial works, making Kosmische Composition a prime example of his pursuit of inner harmony.
The highly structured arrangement and subdued palette highlight the influence of contemporary movements toward purified abstraction. This foundational piece of Modernism holds a significant place within the collection of the Kunstsammlung NRW. Due to its cultural importance, studies and high-quality prints of this seminal work are widely available for educational purposes.
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