Little World (Kleinwelt) from the periodical in portfolio form Die Schaffenden, vol. 1, no. 1

Little World (Kleinwelt) from the periodical in portfolio form Die Schaffenden, vol. 1, no. 1, created by Paul Klee in 1914, is a foundational example of the artist’s early commitment to graphic abstraction. Executed as an etching, this print demonstrates Klee’s mastery of the medium, utilizing precise, delicate lines to construct a dense, microcosmic field of interlocking shapes. Though the creative date is 1914, coinciding with the outbreak of World War I and the apex of German Expressionism, the work was published four years later, in 1918, as part of the highly influential German periodical Die Schaffenden (The Creators).

The subject matter, suggested by the title, focuses on an internal, abstract geography rather than a depiction of the external world. Klee employs a system of cellular division, where geometric and curved lines intersect to form tightly organized clusters reminiscent of biological structures or crystalline lattices. This compositional approach reflects Klee’s shift toward symbolic non-representational art, a path influenced by his association with the Der Blaue Reiter group and his recognition of the inherent structure underlying natural forms.

The small scale of Little World (Kleinwelt) enhances its intensity, requiring close examination of the fine details afforded by the etching process. The complexity of the composition embodies the emerging trends of the European avant-garde during this period, moving beyond Cubist fragmentation toward a more systematic, internalized form of abstraction. Klee's work, featured prominently in Die Schaffenden, helped solidify his stature among collectors and critics who championed innovative prints. This important German print is permanently preserved in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where it serves as essential documentation of Klee's transition into one of the 20th century's foremost abstract artists.