Paul Klee’s death marked the end of a remarkable artistic journey that spanned continents, movements, and styles. Born in 1879, Klee rose to prominence through his unique contributions to Expressionism, Cubism, and Surrealism. Yet in his later years, health struggles overshadowed his creative output. Despite increasing pain and physical limitations, he continued to produce deeply moving works that reflected his inner turmoil. Understanding how Paul Klee died offers insight not only into the challenges he faced but also into the resilience that underpinned his final masterpieces and his enduring legacy in modern art.
Emergence of Klee’s Illness
Onset of Symptoms
In 1935, Paul Klee began to exhibit signs of a serious and mysterious illness. Early indicators included discoloration and hardening of the skin, joint pain, and fatigue. These symptoms gradually intensified, affecting his mobility and daily routines. At first, the exact nature of his condition remained unclear, even to his closest colleagues and medical advisors.
Discovery of Scleroderma
It was only after his death that specialists identified his disease as diffuse systemic sclerosis, commonly known as scleroderma. This autoimmune disorder causes excessive collagen production, leading to thickened, rigid connective tissues in the skin and internal organs. Researchers later confirmed with a high degree of probability that Klee suffered from this condition from around 1935 until his passing in 1940.
Progression of the Disease
Physical Decline
As scleroderma advanced, Klee faced increasing difficulty in swallowing, breathing, and moving his hands tools essential to his art. The stiffening of his skin and joints made brushwork painful and laborious. Despite these challenges, he adapted his technique, favoring simpler, more geometric forms and heavier lines that reflected both his physical limitations and emotional state.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
The emotional toll of living with a progressive, incurable disease manifested in Klee’s later works. His paintings from this period often feature stark contrasts, skeletal figures, and cryptic symbols. These elements convey a sense of vulnerability and existential reflection, suggesting that Klee used his art as both an outlet and a portrait of his suffering.
Artistic Output During Illness
Adaptation of Style
Despite declining health, Klee’s productivity remained impressive. In 1939, he produced over 1,200 works his highest annual output even as his condition fluctuated. His adaptations included:
- Simplified compositions with bold color blocks
- Incorporation of repetitive, hieroglyphic-like symbols
- Exploration of themes like mortality, memory, and decay
Notable Late Works
Among his final creations were the haunting Death and Fire and a series of angel-like sketches. Death and Fire prominently features a skull and the German word for death, Tod, interwoven into the composition. These works stand as poignant testaments to his confrontation with mortality.
Final Days and Place of Death
Retreat to Switzerland
After fleeing Nazi Germany in 1933, Klee settled in Muralto, near Locarno, Switzerland. The milder climate and relative seclusion offered some relief, but his health continued to deteriorate. He spent his final years in a modest home overlooking Lake Maggiore, supported by his family and close friends.
Death on 29 June 1940
Paul Klee died on 29 June 1940 at the age of 60 in Muralto, succumbing to complications of systemic sclerosis. His passing occurred without him having obtained Swiss citizenship, a poignant detail given his exile and the political turmoil of the era. He was later buried in Bern’s Schosshaldenfriedhof cemetery.
Medical and Historical Significance
Advancements in Dermatology
Klee’s case drew attention to scleroderma at a time when the disease was poorly understood. Publications a decade after his death first coined the term scleroderma to describe similar presentations. His experience highlighted the need for better diagnostic methods and patient care in autoimmune diseases.
Influence on Art and Medicine
Art historians and medical researchers have since studied Klee’s late works to trace the progression of his illness. The interplay between his physical decline and evolving style provides a unique lens through which to explore the connections between creativity, suffering, and resilience.
Legacy of Paul Klee’s Final Years
Endurance Through Art
Though his life was cut short by disease, Klee’s final works continue to inspire. The clarity and courage with which he faced his condition resonate with artists and audiences alike, underscoring the power of creative expression in confronting life’s greatest challenges.
Commemoration in Exhibitions
Museums worldwide routinely feature retrospectives of Klee’s oeuvre that emphasize his late period. These exhibitions often contextualize his artistic evolution within the framework of his illness, inviting viewers to appreciate not only his technical mastery but also his profound humanity.
Paul Klee’s death from systemic sclerosis underscores the tragic impact of autoimmune disease on one of the 20th century’s most innovative artists. His perseverance in the face of debilitating illness allowed him to transform personal adversity into artistic insight. By examining how Klee died and continued to create, we gain a deeper understanding of his work and a renewed appreciation for the enduring bond between life’s fragility and artistic triumph.