The last of the mercenaries 1931

Paul Klee made this curious character, ‘The Last of the Mercenaries,’ with crayon on paper. It looks like he built up the image with small strokes, creating a mosaic effect of blues, browns, reds and yellows. I wonder what Klee was thinking as he laid down each tiny mark? Did he have a clear vision from the start, or did the image emerge bit by bit, like putting together a puzzle where the pieces themselves suggest the final picture? The texture is so delicate and the color washes are thin, almost like watercolor. See how the lines create a sense of depth and volume, especially around the hat and face? It’s like he’s mapping out the planes of the face with color. This piece reminds me of other works by Klee, where he explores similar themes of playful figuration and geometric abstraction. It’s part of a larger conversation among artists over time, each riffing off the others' ideas. For me, this piece isn't about one definitive meaning but, instead, opens up space for multiple interpretations.