Pierrot Lunaire

Artist Paul Klee (Swiss, 1879 - 1940)

Date1924

GeographySwitzerland

MediumWatercolor on paper

Dimensions12 x 14 3/4 in. (30.5 x 37.5 cm)

ClassificationsWatercolors

Credit LineGift of Geraldine P. and Henry B. Clark, Jr., on the occasion of their 40th wedding anniversary, 1982 (18459)

Object number18459

DescriptionAirbrush technique. Overlays of sprayed dots of greater or lesser density, primarily of the color opposites red and green, create distinct and elusive forms, a muted yet tense atmosphere. Pierrot's head is a large circle, above and right of center; a second circle of the same radius placed beneath serves as a mysterious aura and as his brow line, emphasizing his all-important eyes. One eye is a pale pointed ovoid with green-black pupil; the other the pupil alone (the socket appearing in a vertical position over the mouth), which sets up the contrast between outer and 'inner' eye found elsewhere in Klee. The mouth is a tear-drop form in blood red. Other variations of the ovoid appear as two hearts, and the shoulder line. The circle-moon motif, the hearts and the bloody mouth, the figure's isolation and alienation (it is predominately red in deep green environment) illustrate or refer to the symbolism employed in the poem.

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