Work - Death and Fire (1940)

Paul Klee created this expressionistic work just a few months before his death on June 29, 1940. He began experiencing symptoms of scleroderma (changes to skin, problems with organs) around 5 years prior to his death; however, the disease was only given a name 10 years after his death. Either the pain became too much to handle or his ability to make artwork was influenced by his disease and caused him to allude to his own death. His previous works are much more complex and abstract; whereas here, he uses language ("tod" in German is "death" in English), a clear representation of his idea, and simple colors to portray death. His prior works include deep exploration in color theory and works that require more technique with his hands as well as surrealist works. However, Death and Fire consists of simple shapes and does not have the same technique of shading and was probably something he could create in five minutes so that the pain wouldn't overwhelm him. He created this work with oil paints on a piece of cloth made from jute.