Paul Klee's illness (systemic sclerosis) and artistic transfiguration

Abstract

Klee's symptoms, and the rapid progression of the illness, ending with his death after only 5 years, in all probability indicate the rarest but most serious form of scleroderma, known as diffuse systemic sclerosis. Although his skin and internal organs were heavily stricken by the illness, the artist's hands were fortunately spared. Thus he was able to draw and paint without hindrance to the end. Classified amongst diseases of the autoimmunity system, this form of sclerosis often has inexplicable causes. I believe, however, that the defamations suffered by Klee, his dismissal as professor of the Art Academy in Düsseldorf by the National Socialists, and the unintended isolation after his return to Berne were causative factors in the outbreak of the illness. Mentally and spiritually, the artist rose above his heavy bodily suffering. Constantly, his creativity remained vigorous. Although the greater part of Klee's works in his last years cannot be linked directly with his illness, careful viewing reveals a significant preoccupation with fate and illness. It is above all in his drawings, that were created like a diary, that the sorrows and troubles of the ill artist emerge: his fears, but also his hopes and finally his resignation to the illness, and his readiness for death. In undesired isolation, and in his own spiritual world, Paul Klee created with exemplary concentration, discipline and diligence a considerable number of late works, which differ from his early work and which deserve our full admiration. Reserved, quiet and kind, Paul Klee was nevertheless charismatic. And his art is poetic. Possessing a special aura, it can enchant those who surrender to it without any prejudice. Paul Klee has created an oeuvre that is unique, reflecting his character closely: a body of work that moves and stirs us by its deep humanity.