Paul
Klee

Tänzerin (1932), the title of which translates to “Dancer,” achieved Klee's current auction record when it sold at Christie's London in June 2011. This piece was created during a pivotal transition in Klee's career, after leaving the Bauhaus and while teaching at the Düsseldorf Academy, and showcases Klee's mature style of linear abstraction against repetitive points of colour. It exemplifies Klee's distinctive "divisionist" technique, which he defined as building a colour field from individually stamped dots, surrounded by likewise stamped lines. The elongated form of the dancer, in its confident brushwork and spatial sophistication, demonstrates Klee’s ability to convey movement through minimal means. The painting emerged just before political upheaval would force Klee to return to Switzerland, representing one of the final masterworks from his German period. At the time, the Nazi party was gaining significant power in parliament, the work stands as a testament to Klee's creative resilience in the face of growing turmoil.

Abend In N (1937), or Evening In N, represents one of Klee's most successful explorations of colour harmonies through geometric abstraction, and his sophisticated understanding of colour theory, which he taught at the Bauhaus. The predominantly deep blues, browns, and reds evoke the transitional light of evening, while the mathematical precision of the composition mirrors Klee's interest in the relationship between art and music. Despite the structured grid, there is a sense of musicality and movement in the work, as the colours seem to vibrate and interact with one another. The exceptional price achieved at Sotheby's Paris in June 2020 demonstrates the continuing market appreciation for Klee's most abstract works, particularly those that showcase his distinctive approach to colour theory. The painting's strong provenance and exhibition history further enhanced its appeal to collectors, cementing its status as one of Klee's most significant auction achievements.