Untitled [Reverse side of lithograph, no. 15/125]

Every graphic print produced in an edition must first be tested – for this Klee prepared test prints. Here Klee has drawn on the back of one such test print.

In 1923, Klee created the lithograph Lithograph After 15/125 based on the drawing Collapsing Ones (1915). It depicts three sharply slanted figures.

Before the lithograph was produced in a small edition, test prints were done. These are not usually included in the edition and are not meant to be distributed.

Here Klee has seemingly reused one such test print. He has rotated the sheet 180 degrees and drawn on the back of it a figure out of whose heart-shaped folded hands a three-dimensional structure made of lines appears to be growing. The upper part of this structure is a horizontal construction that recalls both a musical score with arrows and a horizontal architectural form.

The drawing has no title and was not registered as a work by Klee. Did Klee perhaps first compose the drawing, reject it, and then use the “scrap paper” for the test print?

Every graphic print produced in an edition must first be tested – for this Klee prepared test prints. Here Klee has drawn on the back of one such test print.

In 1923, Klee created the lithograph Lithograph After 15/125 based on the drawing Collapsing Ones (1915). It depicts three sharply slanted figures.

Before the lithograph was produced in a small edition, test prints were done. These are not usually included in the edition and are not meant to be distributed.

The drawing has no title and was not registered as a work by Klee. Did Klee perhaps first compose the drawing, reject it, and then use the “scrap paper” for the test print?

Paul Klee

Paul Klee