Thunersee near Schadau 1895

Paul Klee’s “Thunersee near Schadau” presents a landscape rendered with delicate linearity. Predominantly composed of fine, rhythmic lines, the drawing creates a serene and reflective atmosphere. The composition is structured around the horizontal expanse of the lake, framed by distant mountains and a muted sky. Klee’s formal approach here, emphasizes the surface and the act of drawing itself. The meticulous linework invites a reading that goes beyond mere representation. Instead, it engages with a semiotic system, where each stroke functions as a sign, contributing to the overall construction of the image. The horizon line is destabilized, creating a sense of depth and flatness at once. Note how the simplicity of form creates a space for contemplation, challenging conventional landscape art. Ultimately, this drawing invites us to consider how the artist's formal choices enable a deeper engagement with both the natural world and the very act of artistic creation.