Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Inner Forces

Paul Klee, 1939

Name Class Date
Paul Klee, Inner Forces (1939). Public domain. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Paul Klee originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/paul-klee/
Artist’s dates
1879 – 1940
Painted
1939
Medium
Acrylic On Canvas
Original size
30 x 21 cm
Movement
Abstract Expressionism Large canvases where the act of painting itself — the drip, the sweep — is the subject.
Artistic style
Abstract Expressionism
Influences
Cubism
Notable elements or techniques
Sketch, Geometric abstraction
Subject or theme
Portrait

Copyright This work is in the public domain. Paul Klee died in 1940; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 2010.

Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 11, 2026

Inner Forces — Paul Klee Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Inner Forces — Paul Klee

How big is it?

The original measures 30 × 21 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1870
  2. 1880
  3. 1890
  4. 1900
  5. 1910
  6. 1920
  7. 1930
  8. 1940

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 61 at death.

Painted when the artist was 60. The artist lived to 61. 201 of the 235 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Paul Klee (1879–1940) ▲ this work, 1939 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1920 Main working years: 1920–1937 Late works: from 1937

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/paul-klee-inner-forces-D2WG8C-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Walnut #8a3a17

    Catalogued palette

    • #8A3A17
    • #FEFEFD
    • #E8D7C1
    • #C38F63

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Pastels The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Walnut
    Intensity
    Monochromatic How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Serene How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Brilliant How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Muted How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Paul Klee over the last twelve months — 57 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 42.8%62,100 visits
    2. 2 United States of America 10.8%15,700 visits
    3. 3 Hong Kong 6.8%9,800 visits
    4. 4 Singapore 6.8%9,800 visits
    5. 5 Italy 3.0%4,300 visits
    6. 6 France 2.8%4,100 visits
    7. 7 Brazil 2.7%3,900 visits
    8. 8 Germany 2.7%3,900 visits
    9. 9 Argentina 1.9%2,800 visits
    10. 10 Spain 1.9%2,700 visits
    11. · 47 other countries 17.8%25,900 visits

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 20 most looked-at works by Paul Klee

    1. 1 Twittering machine 1 4.2%9,000 visits
    2. 2 To Parnassus, 1932 3.5%7,500 visits
    3. 3 Flora on sand, 1927 2.3%4,900 visits
    4. 4 Landscape with Yellow Birds, 1923 2.0%4,300 visits
    5. 5 Legend of the Nile, 1937 1.9%4,000 visits
    6. 6 Southern (Tunisian) Gardens 1.8%3,900 visits
    7. 7 Fire at Full Moon 1.5%3,200 visits
    8. 8 Rose Garden, 1920 1.4%3,100 visits
    9. 9 Redgreen and Violet-Yellow Rhythms, 1920 1.4%3,100 visits
    10. 10 Tale à la Hoffmann 1.2%2,500 visits
    11. 11 Fish Image, 1925 1.1%2,400 visits
    12. 12 Comedians' Handbill, 1938 1.1%2,300 visits
    13. 13 Serpent, 1926 1.1%2,300 visits
    14. 14 Women, 1921 1.0%2,200 visits
    15. 15 Reconstructing, 1926 1.0%2,200 visits
    16. 16 Arabian Princess 1.0%2,100 visits
    17. 17 Arctic Dew, 1920 0.9%2,000 visits
    18. 18 Fire evening, 1929 0.9%2,000 visits
    19. 19 Rote und weisse Kuppeln (also known as Red and white cupolas), 1914 0.9%1,900 visits
    20. 274 Inner Forces, 1939 this painting 0.1%200 visits

    Together these works take 30.3% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 501 works by this artist, of which 414 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 274 of them, with 0.1% of that attention (200 visits). The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 11, 2026

    Inner Forces — Paul Klee Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Inner Forces — Paul Klee

    A Window Into Imagination: Paul Klee’s “Kreis”

    Paul Klee's "Kreis" ("Circle"), created in 1939 during the tumultuous years of World War II, transcends mere geometric form to become a poignant emblem of resilience and an invitation into the artist’s inner world. Executed on paper measuring approximately 30 x 21 cm, this deceptively simple drawing embodies Klee's signature style—a masterful blend of abstraction and lyrical spontaneity that distinguishes him from his contemporaries. It represents more than just a circle; it is a visual manifestation of Klee’s preoccupation with cyclical patterns – recurring themes in nature, mythology, and human experience – reflecting an unwavering belief in the transformative power of repetition and renewal amidst adversity.

    The Style of Playful Abstraction

    Klee's artistic vision was rooted in a profound rejection of representational art, prioritizing instead the exploration of emotional resonance and perceptual ambiguity. Unlike Picasso or Matisse, who sought to capture recognizable subjects with meticulous detail, Klee deliberately obscured boundaries between figure and ground, creating compositions that shimmered with layered textures and suggestive contours. This approach aligns perfectly with the burgeoning Surrealist movement, which championed dreamlike imagery and irrational juxtapositions as pathways to accessing subconscious realms. However, Klee’s style remained uniquely his own—characterized by a distinctive “Klee-esque” handwriting, meticulously applied in varying thicknesses and orientations, adding an element of tactile immediacy to the artwork's visual surface.

    Technique: Watercolor and Pencil on Paper

    The execution of "Kreis" demonstrates Klee’s mastery of watercolor and pencil techniques—a combination that allowed him to achieve remarkable tonal gradations and textural contrasts. Layers of diluted watercolor pigment were delicately brushed onto the paper, establishing a foundational wash of muted hues – predominantly blues and greens – evoking the serenity of alpine landscapes, a recurring motif in Klee's oeuvre. Overlaid with precise pencil lines, these contours delineate the circle’s boundaries while simultaneously introducing subtle variations in tone and hatching patterns. The interplay between watercolor and pencil creates an illusionistic depth that defies the drawing’s two-dimensional format, inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between visible and invisible realms.

    Historical Context: Facing Uncertainty

    “Kreis” was produced during a period of profound geopolitical instability—the Second World War casting a long shadow over Europe and disrupting artistic production across the continent. Despite the anxieties of his time, Klee remained steadfast in his commitment to artistic experimentation, refusing to succumb to pressures for conformity or propaganda. The circle itself can be interpreted as a symbol of wholeness, unity, and protection – concepts that resonated deeply with Klee’s humanist sensibilities. It represents an affirmation of life's inherent beauty and resilience—a quiet defiance against the horrors unfolding beyond his studio walls.

    Symbolism: Recurring Motifs and Inner Reflection

    Beyond its formal qualities, “Kreis” is laden with symbolic significance—reflecting Klee’s fascination with archetypal imagery and his exploration of psychological themes. The circle embodies concepts such as eternity, cosmic order, and the cyclical nature of time – mirroring Klee's belief that art could transcend immediate circumstances and communicate universal truths. Furthermore, the artist’s handwriting itself serves as a conduit for introspection—representing Klee’s inner voice and conveying his emotional state through visual marks. The drawing encourages contemplation on themes of vulnerability, strength, and transformation—inviting viewers to engage in their own personal dialogues with the artwork's profound message.

    Emotional Impact: A Balm for Troubled Times

    Ultimately, “Kreis” possesses an enduring emotional impact—offering solace and inspiration amidst periods of uncertainty and hardship. Its understated elegance and harmonious composition convey a sense of calm reassurance—a reminder that beauty can flourish even in the face of darkness. The drawing’s subtle textural contrasts stimulate visual perception while simultaneously fostering contemplation on themes of resilience and renewal. “Kreis” stands as testament to Klee's unwavering belief in art's capacity to illuminate the human spirit—leaving viewers with a lingering impression of wonder and gratitude for encountering this extraordinary work of art.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 11, 2026

    Inner Forces — Paul Klee Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Paul Klee

    Born in Münchenbuchsee, Switzerland

    A Life of Line and Lyricism

    Born in Münchenbuchsee, Switzerland, on December 18, 1879, Paul Klee entered a world shaped by the rhythms of music. His father, Hans Wilhelm Klee, was a German music teacher, and his mother, Ida Marie, was a Swiss singer. This early immersion in sound provided a foundation for a visual language that often mirrored musical arrangement. While he initially pursued the violin with great talent, eventually deciding that modern music lacked the creative pull he craved, he turned his focus toward the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich. His studies there between 1898 and 1901 were marked by an early mastery of drawing, though he famously struggled with color during those first cold winters.

    The transition from a draftsman to an abstract thinker was not immediate. Klee’s early years involved exploring the boundaries of Symbolism and Art Nouveau, often working in black and white or through experimental techniques like needle drawing on blackened glass. A significant shift occurred in 1914 during a visit to Tunisia. The intense light of North Africa allowed him to detach color from physical description, using it instead as an independent force. This period provided the necessary push toward abstraction, moving his work away from mere representation and toward a more personal, symbolic vocabulary.

    The Bauhaus Years and Political Shadows

    Klee’s career reached a period of intense theoretical and creative activity during his time at the Bauhaus. From 1920 to 1930, he joined the faculty of this influential school of design and architecture, working alongside figures like Wassily Kandinsky. It was here that much of his prolific output occurred, particularly small-scale watercolors and drawings on paper. His teaching allowed him to explore the relationship between color and form with scientific precision, a subject he documented extensively in his notebooks. These writings, which examined the mechanics of design, are now regarded as essential texts for understanding modern composition.

    The stability of this era was abruptly interrupted by the rise of National Socialism. In 1933, Klee was dismissed from his position at the Academy of Fine Arts in Düsseldorf because the Nazi regime classified his work as “degenerate.” Forced to return to his native Bern, his later years were marked by a shift in tone. As political turmoil grew and his own health declined, his lines became heavier, turning into black bars, and his forms grew more generalized. The whimsicality of his earlier years gave way to a more somber, melancholic perspective, reflecting the gravity of the era.

    A Lasting Visual Language

    The breadth of Klee’s output is immense, totaling some 10,000 works that range from delicate sketches to larger, more structured compositions. His ability to blend influences from Cubism, Expressionism, and Surrealism resulted in a style that felt both childlike and deeply intellectual. He utilized a variety of media, including:

    Zinc-plate etchings

    Watercolor on gauze and paper

    Lithographs

    Charcoal and pencil drawings

    His work remains a study in balance, where titles often provided the necessary context for his often cryptic imagery. Whether through the use of simple stick figures or complex, colorful grids, he sought to express the inner world of ideas rather than the surface of reality. He died on June 29, 1940, in Muralto, Switzerland, leaving behind a body of work that bridged the gap between the figurative and the abstract.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Inner Forces

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/paul-klee-inner-forces-D2WG8C-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Klee, Paul. Inner Forces. 1939, https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/paul-klee-inner-forces-D2WG8C-en/
    APA
    Klee, Paul (1939). Inner Forces [Painting]. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/paul-klee-inner-forces-D2WG8C-en/
    Chicago
    Paul Klee. Inner Forces. 1939. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/paul-klee-inner-forces-D2WG8C-en/
    Harvard
    Klee, Paul (1939) Inner Forces. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/paul-klee-inner-forces-D2WG8C-en/

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 11, 2026

    Inner Forces — Paul Klee Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Inner Forces — Paul Klee

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: abstract form, geometric design, black and white”. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Twittering machine 1, earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Abstract Expressionism: Large canvases where the act of painting itself — the drip, the sweep — is the subject. Where can you see that in this work?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 11, 2026

    Inner Forces — Paul Klee Part 5 · Look closely

    Art quiz

    Inner Forces — Paul Klee

    How well do you know this artwork?

    Tick one answer for each of the 5 questions below. Each has exactly one correct answer.

    1. 1. What artistic movement is Paul Klee primarily associated with?

      • A Cubism
      • B Impressionism
      • C Expressionism

    2. 2. In what year was “Inner Forces” created?

      • A 1935
      • B 1940
      • C 1939

    3. 3. What is the predominant color scheme of this drawing?

      • A Bright reds and yellows
      • B Pale blues and greens
      • C Monochromatic black and white

    4. 4. The image depicts a sketch or study for what type of artwork?

      • A Sculpture
      • B Landscape Painting
      • C Painting by Paul Klee

    5. 5. What stylistic element contributes to the drawing’s distinctive appearance and adds depth?

      • A Detailed shading
      • B Realistic perspective
      • C A central circle

    My score: ____ out of 5

    Answer key — for the teacher

    This starts a fresh printed page, so it can simply be left out of the copies.

    1B · 2C · 3C · 4C · 5C

    Check any answer against the catalogue record for this painting

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 11, 2026

    Inner Forces — Paul Klee Part 6 · Art quiz

    Questions & Answers

    Which palette and lead color define "Inner Forces"?

    "Inner Forces" is defined by a pastels palette led by walnut (#8a3a17).

    What print size of "Inner Forces" by Paul Klee fits the recommended room?

    In a living room, "Inner Forces" is suggested at a large print size.

    Can I watch "Inner Forces" as a full-screen slideshow?

    "Inner Forces" by Paul Klee can be viewed as a slideshow on the artwork's Diaporama page.