Small World

Small World by Paul Klee, created in 1914, is a defining example of the artist’s early explorations into graphic arts just prior to the outbreak of the First World War. Classified as a print, the work was executed using the demanding intaglio technique of etching on wove paper. The meticulous nature of the medium is perfectly suited to the seemingly microscopic or abstracted viewpoint suggested by the title.

Klee, a pivotal figure in the development of Modernism, employed etching to emphasize linear quality and structural complexity. This precise execution allowed the artist to distill forms into essential elements, reflecting the intellectual move towards abstraction characterizing European art during the period of 1901 to 1925. Although deeply involved with German Expressionist groups, Klee maintained his distinct identity as a Swiss artist, bringing a unique, often geometric sensibility to the avant-garde.

The creation of the work in 1914 places it at the precipice of Klee’s groundbreaking trip to Tunisia, which would profoundly influence his transition toward vibrant color fields, making Small World a significant benchmark in his early career development. The visual vocabulary here foreshadows his later, systematic organization of pictorial space.

This historically important print resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The institution holds this piece as a representation of Klee's early mastery of graphic processes. As a work produced over a century ago, the etching contributes significantly to the canon of graphic works from the era, often making high-quality images of this early 20th-century masterpiece available through public domain resources for study and appreciation.