Paul Klee [antikvár]

Preface I planned to pubKsh a book on Klee's drawings more than twenty-five years ago, when Klee was still ahve. In 1933 I assembled material for a first volume, covering works from 1921 to 1930, but when it was pubhshed in 1934, the Gestapo confiscated the edition. It was out of the question to go on with my plans for a second volume, covering drawings from 1930 on. Now, thanks to the interest of the pubhshing house of M.DuMont Schaubcrg in Cologne, the original plan for two-volume pubhcation of the drawings is being reahzed. There will be a second volume, which will contam a catalogue of all of Klee's drawings. Collectors, both pubhc and private, are urged to supply the author with hsts of the drawings they own, so that the catalogue may be as complete as possible. The idea is to provide a great many small reproducdons, so as to give an ensemble view of what is a truly varied output. Reproduction of every drawing has proved impossible. I must acknowledge with special gratitude the kindness of Felix Klee and the Klee Foundation in Bern in putting their treasures at my disposal. I wish to thank also the many collectors who have aided me. Their names wiU be foimd in the Catalogue of Works Reproduced (page 169). I believe that the time has come to make accessible Klee's drawings to as wide a public as possible. Reproductions cannot, of course, replace the originals, but in most cases they can give a fairly good idea of Klee's work in the grapliic medium. Klee regarded his drawings as higlily important, and frequendy expressed regret that they were so litde appreciated and understood. He was surprised at my temerity in 1925, when I published a first essay on his drawings, for they were as yet known and admired by very few. It is hoped that tliis volume will widen the circle of admirers, and bring out Klee's remarkable originaUty in a fresh, though unquestionably basic, aspect of his life and work.