They all Run after Him!

We show today's piece courtesy of Bern's Zentrum Paul Klee, where "They All Run after Him!" is on display in the current exhibition, "Paul Klee. Images in Motion." I wish I could be there to see it live. Enjoy! 

Paul Klee painted this amusing work in 1940, the year of his death. In spite of the fact that he was seriously ill, he still depicted humorous scenes. He called this painting “They All Run after Him!,” with an exclamation mark. The exclamation mark also appears in the painting. It indicates the leader of this curious troop — the figure that everyone is running after. With its outstretched arms, it seems to be asking the others to follow it — or is the figure running away from a horde of deranged signs and symbols? 

And all the things following the figure! Seven forms run after it, mostly on short little legs. All are footed heads that awaken memories of a great variety of things: at the top left, perhaps a chattering bird; beside it, a radish; below it, a geometrical fish; in front of it, two running trees. And is that a crocodile at the very bottom? Or a line with legs? The coarse style of painting in thick black lines leaves many questions open, suggesting possibilities and allowing us to imagine: Who is running around here? And why? 

The painting was produced during the Second World War. In spite of all the humour, there might be an element of criticism of the times. Perhaps the person at the front is a symbol for the Führer?