In the Quarry, 1913, Klee foundation, Bern Paul Klee (1879-1940)

The composition presents a landscape viewed from a slightly elevated perspective. A prominent, sloping mound dominates the foreground, rendered in shades of red and orange that suggest both earth and perhaps a manufactured material. This form is abruptly truncated by the horizon line, creating a sense of visual tension. Behind this initial plane rise layered formations, resembling hills or terraced structures. These are delineated with sharp, angular lines and filled with muted greens, yellows, and browns, suggesting vegetation and exposed rock faces.
The artist employed a limited palette, relying on subtle tonal variations to define the forms rather than vibrant color contrasts. The application of paint appears loose and fluid, allowing for washes and bleeds that soften edges and contribute to an overall atmospheric quality. There is a deliberate flattening of perspective; depth isnt achieved through traditional techniques like linear convergence or diminishing scale. Instead, it’s suggested by overlapping planes and shifts in tonal value.
The arrangement of the forms evokes a sense of artificiality. The sharp angles and geometric shapes disrupt any naturalistic impression. The red mound, particularly, seems less organic and more akin to an industrial byproduct or a deliberately sculpted feature. This lends itself to interpretations concerning human intervention within the landscape – perhaps referencing mining operations, construction projects, or even a broader commentary on humanity’s impact on the environment.
The sparse inclusion of trees – represented as dark, stylized silhouettes – further emphasizes the dominance of constructed forms and reinforces the sense that this is not merely a depiction of nature but rather an exploration of its manipulation. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting reflection on the relationship between human activity and the natural world, and questioning the boundaries between what is cultivated and what is wild.