Hauptweg und Nebenwege

Paul Klee's Hauptweg und Nebenwege was painted in 1929.

This is also known as Main Street and Sidewalks. It is a relaxing piece which shows a pathway in beautiful colours.

Klee has created a painting that brings walks in the fall to mind. His selection of colours such as light orange amid other shades like grey and blue make the pavement walk something to look forward to.

It is easy to envision strolling along this pavement alone or with a friend. Klee gives the impression that there is a lot for any person so inclined to see as they walk. Leaves appear to be gently falling to the ground as pedestrians pass by. In all, it is a pleasing scene which may make some viewers long for a day spent in the park.

In a way, Klee's work may speak to the importance of green spaces in busy cities. Even though he has not painted a park, in his style, he has inspired the viewer to think of what it would be like to be in one. To have a moment of rest in a busy day would surely be rewarding.

Klee travelled to different locations during his career. He made a trip to Egypt in the past and returned there just before he decided to paint this piece. He was known for his work in architecture and may have been inspired by the work he saw in Egypt. The structure of the tiles in this piece bring the stones of the pyramids and other structures in Giza to mind.

The original Hauptweg und Nebenwege may be seen at the Museum Ludwig. This is thought of as one of Klee's most important works. This is for several reasons. It is among his larger paintings. It also marked a shift in his choice to do more larger paintings in oil.

Hauptweg und Nebenwege stood out because of the technique used to create the painting. Klee used oils in this piece but not in a way that would conventionally be expected. He primed the canvas using plaster and then applied oil and additional plaster to it. Klee transmits the idea of irregularity with this piece. This can be seen in his method of construction.