Miraculous Landing 1920

Paul Klee made 'Miraculous Landing,' using a blend of watercolor and ink during a period of significant upheaval in Europe. As the son of a German mother and Swiss father, Klee straddled multiple national identities. The artwork presents a harbor scene, which features a ship docked next to a curious, tower-like structure. The linear details, coupled with the muted colors, evoke a dreamlike quality. We might consider this in light of the political climate of the time. In 1933, Klee was dismissed from his teaching position for being a "degenerate artist." The title, 'Miraculous Landing,' suggests a safe arrival or perhaps an escape. In contemplating this work, one can feel the weight of displacement and the hope for safe harbor that resonates deeply, both then and now. The emotional tension between hope and uncertainty encapsulates the spirit of the interwar period.