Flower myth, 1918, Collection Dr. Bernhard Sprengel, Ha Paul Klee (1879-1940)

The composition presents a vertical arrangement of forms against a dominant red background. This intense hue permeates much of the canvas, creating a sense of heat or emotional intensity. The surface exhibits textural variations; areas appear smooth and blended while others display visible brushstrokes and a slightly rough quality, suggesting an engagement with materiality beyond mere representation.
Several distinct elements populate this space. A crescent moon is positioned near the upper left corner, its dark form contrasting sharply with the red field. Further up, a circular shape, also in dark tones, appears to float, potentially acting as a celestial body or symbolic marker. Along the lower edge, a band of muted blue-grey delineates a horizon line, beneath which are clustered groupings of slender, upright forms resembling stylized trees or plant life. These vertical elements echo the overall height of the composition and contribute to its sense of upward movement.
Central to the arrangement is a large, stylized floral motif. This bloom, rendered in dark tones with a lighter core, occupies a prominent position and seems to be the focal point of the work. Surrounding it are smaller, more abstract shapes – some resembling organic forms, others appearing geometric – that contribute to a sense of layered complexity. A small avian figure is visible near the center, its form simplified and almost diagrammatic.
The painting’s subtexts seem to revolve around themes of nature, fertility, and perhaps even mythology. The floral motif, central and emphasized, suggests an exploration of growth, life cycles, and symbolic representations of femininity or creation. The inclusion of celestial bodies – the moon and the circular form – hints at a connection between earthly existence and cosmic forces. The stylized trees along the horizon line reinforce this sense of nature’s presence, while their simplified forms suggest a move away from realistic depiction towards an exploration of essential qualities.
The limited palette and flattened perspective contribute to a dreamlike or symbolic quality. It is not a straightforward representation of reality but rather a visual language designed to evoke emotions and associations beyond the literal. The overall effect is one of restrained power, where simplified forms and bold colors combine to create a work that invites contemplation on fundamental themes of existence.