Accession Number1991/2.75
TitleArsonist Marionette
Artist(s)Paul KleeArtist NationalitySwissObject Creation Date1933Medium & Supportwax crayon on prepared paper with brown groundDimensions 12 5/8 x 16 7/8 in. (32 x 42.8 cm);24 11/16 x 27 1/2 in. (62.55 x 69.85 cm)
Credit LineGift of Helmut SternLabel copyIn January of 1940 Klee wrote a short autobiography at the request of art historian Will Grohman. In this statement Klee recalled the situation facing him in 1933 with typical understatement:"The repercussions of Germany's new politics could also be felt in the world of art, restraining not only independent teaching but also influencing any personal creative work"The artist's gleefully sinister marionette seems a perfect characterization of Nazi manipulation of popular thought and action.
Primary Object ClassificationDrawingCollection AreaModern and ContemporaryRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
Expressionism
arson
marionette
modern and contemporary art