With umbrella

With umbrella (1939) painting by Paul Klee.
is a simple yet expressive work, featuring a minimalistic, abstracted human figure rendered in bold colors and clean lines. The composition centers on a figure with a round, red body, gray head, and a yellow semicircle resembling an umbrella above. Set against a dark blue background, the work’s elements are connected through Klee’s distinctive line work, which creates a sense of both whimsy and contemplation. The minimalist forms and primary colors evoke a childlike simplicity but are composed with deliberate balance and depth.

This piece was created during the late phase of Paul Klee’s career, a time when he faced increasing personal struggles, including deteriorating health due to scleroderma. By 1939, Klee had been dismissed from his teaching position at the Düsseldorf Academy by the Nazis, who labeled his work “degenerate.” Despite these challenges, Klee continued to produce art prolifically, and his later works often became introspective, relying on abstract forms and symbols. With Umbrella is a product of this era, blending playfulness with existential undertones.

In this painting, Klee employs gouache on paper, applying color in dense, matte layers. The broad brushstrokes provide a rough, textured background, which contrasts with the simplicity of the figure’s form. The limited palette—primarily shades of red, yellow, and blue—reflects Klee’s understanding of color theory, which he had developed extensively while teaching at the Bauhaus. The bold lines surrounding the shapes enhance the flatness of the forms, adding to the childlike, symbolic quality of the work.

The umbrella in the artwork may symbolize protection or shelter, possibly reflecting Klee’s search for solace amid personal and political turmoil. The figure’s simplistic, almost puppet-like appearance reflects Klee’s interest in representing universal human themes through abstraction. The red circle as a body suggests warmth or life force, while the yellow umbrella hovers protectively above, perhaps signifying hope or resilience. Klee’s abstraction encourages viewers to find personal meaning in these elemental forms.

With Umbrella is part of Klee’s legacy of synthesizing abstraction with emotional resonance. His work continues to influence modern artists, particularly those interested in abstract expressionism and color theory. Klee’s ability to distill complex emotions into simple, accessible shapes and colors has made him an enduring figure in 20th-century art. This painting, though understated, represents his capacity to capture profound sentiment in minimal forms.

Add a touch of modernist elegance to your space with With Umbrella by Paul Klee. This high-quality gallery-wrapped canvas print captures Klee’s iconic abstract forms and vibrant colors, providing a striking focal point for any room. Each frame is constructed with a solid face to ensure stability, and the canvas is available in various sizes and two frame options—walnut and black—allowing you to perfectly match your decor. Transform your walls with this timeless piece that blends simplicity with depth, inviting contemplation and admiration in equal measure.