Underbrush (Gestrüpp)

Underbrush (Gestrüpp) is a significant etching created by Paul Klee in 1928. This delicate work exemplifies Klee’s mastery of the print medium during his highly experimental period while he was teaching at the influential Bauhaus in Dessau. As a leading figure in the burgeoning modern German art scene, Klee frequently explored the microscopic world of nature, translating organic chaos into structured, graphic designs. This particular piece is classified specifically as a print, demonstrating the artist’s preference for reproducible media and his commitment to developing graphic art techniques during this crucial year.

The composition of Underbrush utilizes fine, intricate lines characteristic of the etching process to suggest a dense entanglement of forms. Klee does not render a realistic thicket; rather, the work abstracts the concept of undergrowth, presenting a rhythmic field of overlapping lines and quasi-botanical shapes. The resulting texture is both fragile and complex, relying solely on the precise tension between black ink and white paper to achieve its subtle spatial depth. The technical control required to execute this type of linear detail reflects Klee’s dedication to teaching the fundamentals of visual design while simultaneously pushing the expressive boundaries of graphic art.

Though small in scale, the graphic intensity of this print solidifies its importance within Klee's prolific output. This piece is housed in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), recognizing its significance within the history of modern German prints. Works created by Klee, such as this subtle exploration of natural disorder, demonstrate why he remains one of the most studied artists of the early 20th century, cementing his legacy not only as a painter but as a profound graphic innovator.