With the Red X (Mit dem roten X)

With the Red X (Mit dem roten X) by Paul Klee is a seminal work executed in 1914, utilizing watercolor on paper that was subsequently mounted onto board. Classified as a drawing, this piece reflects the German artist’s intense exploration of abstraction and subjective symbolism during a crucial period of European modernism, immediately prior to the start of the First World War.

Klee’s technique employs delicate color washes that suggest depth and structure without reliance on traditional figuration. The composition is built upon interlocking, pale planes of color that create an underlying sense of architectural or geometric organization. Superimposed upon this careful structure is the powerful, titular element: a stark red "X." This mark functions not merely as decoration, but as a deliberate interruption or symbolic notation, challenging the viewer to decipher its intent, whether as a rejection of the underlying geometry or as a key to its meaning.

The year 1914 marked a transformative moment for Klee, particularly following his influential trip to Tunisia, which catalyzed his realization that color and form could operate autonomously. While many of his contemporaneous works celebrated pure color theory, With the Red X demonstrates a dual focus on both chromatic relationships and assertive linear symbolism, positioning the piece firmly within the context of progressive German culture during this era.

The work is highly significant for understanding the trajectory of 20th-century art, revealing Klee’s transition from illustrative techniques toward deeper conceptual abstract language. This watercolor is maintained within the prestigious collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). As a historic example of early abstraction, the importance of this work ensures that high-quality prints and archival reproductions are frequently made available through cultural and public domain initiatives, allowing broader access to Klee’s formative 1914 output.