Verhexte Tiere (Bewitched Animals)

Verhexte Tiere (Bewitched Animals) is a highly expressive drawing created by Paul Klee in 1922. Executed in graphite on paper, the work was subsequently laid down on its original mount, demonstrating the artist’s careful consideration of presentation, even for seemingly modest studies. This piece belongs to the critical period of 1901 to 1925, during which Klee transitioned from expressive figuration toward abstract and symbolic languages, a shift largely influenced by his involvement with German Expressionism and later, the Bauhaus.

The composition features a dense network of fine, controlled graphite lines, characteristic of Klee's disciplined approach to drawing. These lines coalesce into ambiguous, almost hieroglyphic forms that suggest a group of creatures in various states of transformation or distress, referencing the title’s theme of "bewitched animals." Klee often employed a delicate touch in his drawings, allowing the subtle texture of the paper to interact with the graphite. This drawing technique achieves a tension between spontaneity and precision, inviting viewers to decode the complex, overlapping geometric and organic shapes.

As a Swiss modernist, Klee was profoundly influential, redefining drawing not merely as preparation for painting but as a powerful, autonomous classification of artwork. During his tenure at the Bauhaus, Klee explored the relationship between graphic mark-making, music, and the subconscious, themes evident in the rhythmic arrangement of forms within the Verhexte Tiere. This important work provides insight into Klee’s ongoing investigation into the hidden mechanics of nature and psychology through abstraction. The drawing is housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a key example of Klee's output during the early 1920s. Prints and reference materials regarding this pivotal period of 1901 to 1925 are widely available for study.