The last of the mercenaries, 1931, Watercolor on paper, Paul Klee (1879-1940)

Here we observe a portrait executed in watercolor and pencil on paper. The subject is presented as a male figure, seemingly wearing a military cap or helmet, though its form is fragmented and abstracted. The face itself is constructed from angular planes and geometric shapes, disrupting any conventional representation of human features. Eyes are rendered as dark, recessed voids, contributing to an overall sense of detachment and weariness. A prominent beak-like protrusion extends from the mouth, adding a peculiar, almost avian quality to the figure’s appearance. The subject holds a lit cigarette between his lips, its smoke subtly suggested by faint lines.
The color palette is restrained, dominated by muted blues, greens, yellows, and browns. These tones are applied in short, hatched strokes that create a textured surface and contribute to the sense of fragmentation. The background appears as an extension of the figure’s head, lacking any distinct spatial definition.
Beyond the immediate visual elements, the work conveys a feeling of disillusionment and exhaustion. The fragmented form suggests a broken or shattered identity, perhaps reflecting the psychological toll of conflict or hardship. The beak-like mouth could be interpreted as a symbol of aggression or a distorted expression of communication. The cigarette serves as a signifier of stress relief, but also potentially hints at self-destructive tendencies.
The overall effect is one of profound melancholy and quiet despair. The figure’s gaze seems to penetrate the viewer, suggesting a shared burden of experience. Its possible that the work explores themes of loss, trauma, and the dehumanizing effects of violence, presenting a portrait not merely of an individual but of a collective suffering.