Paul Klee
17 - Untitled (Architecture on the Stage), 1918
Oil paint on cardboard, 15 x 32 cm
Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern, Depositum aus Privatbesitz, Schweiz
Paul Klee used the back of Untitled (Architecture on the Stage) (1918) to note information on the painting’s technique and materials. Ten years later, he expanded his comments to include his observations regarding the durability of the painting.
After creating the painting, Klee noted in pencil on the back: “Durability test: the artwork overleaf is watercolour and tempera on a varnished oil ground, which is glued, thus putting its durability in jeopardy, the tempera is coated with linseed oil varnish.”
Klee experimented with materials and techniques throughout his life. His annotation on the back of this work offers some fascinating insight into his considerations about the longevity of his artworks.
Ten years later, he would analyse the outcome of his painting experiment and wrote: “The durability in 1928 is better than expected. Klee.” The artist was likely not the only one who was pleased by this finding.