Cold City (1921)

This page presents "Cold City" (1921), created by Paul Klee. Abstract, a short history: Abstract art moves away from depicting recognisable objects and relies on colour, line, shape, and surface instead. It emerged in the early twentieth century, when several artists in Europe and Russia developed non-representational painting during the 1910s. Context for 1921: The first decades of the twentieth century were a period of rapid experiment, with Fauvism, Expressionism, Cubism, Futurism, and the first abstract painting appearing within a few years of each other. Posters, magazines, and illustrated books were major ways for the public to meet new art and design. It is listed in the Abstract collection. The image is in landscape orientation.

Everything for "Cold City" arrives digitally: Digital JPEG + PDF files, 300 DPI. Once payment is confirmed, an email brings the download link, and from there you decide how to print it, whether at home, at a print shop, or through an online service. A landscape format suits wide, low wall spaces such as the stretch above a bed, mantel, or sideboard. Matching the frame to the image proportions avoids cropping. Hang the print away from direct sunlight, which over the years can fade any printed colour. Screens and printers render colour differently, so a small test print is a sensible way to check tones before committing to a large size. Matte and fine-art papers reduce glare in bright rooms, while glossy papers give stronger contrast and deeper blacks.

German, 1879–1940

If you like the visual language of Paul Klee, explore more works by the same artist in our collection.