Seiltänzer [Tightrope Walker]
About this artwork
The theme of balance was an important one in Klee’s art, and it was a subject which he also emphasised to his students during his time as a teacher at the Bauhaus from 1921-31. Several of his works feature a tightrope walker, and in a lecture of 1921 Klee stated; ‘The tightrope walker with his pole (is a) “symbol of the balance of forces.” He holds the forces of gravity in balance (weight and counterweight). He is a pair of scales.’ The tightrope walker in this print is balanced on a structure of horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines which looks precarious but perfectly balanced.
Updated before 2020
see media-
artist:
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title:Seiltänzer [Tightrope Walker]
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date created:1923
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materials:Colour lithograph on paper
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measurements:44.00 x 26.80 cm (paper 52.20 x 38.00 cm)
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 1960
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accession number:GMA 762
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gallery:
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subject:
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glossary:
Paul Klee
Paul Klee
Klee was born near Berne, Switzerland and studied art in Munich. In 1912, his work was included in the second exhibition of the Blaue Reiter (Blue Rider) Expressionist group. In the same year, he saw an exhibition of cubist paintings in Paris, which had a great influence on his style. Klee...