The artwork “A kind of cat,” created by the artist Paul Klee in 1937, is a vivid exemplification of the Expressionism movement. The dimensions of this animal painting are 21 x 26.7 cm, encapsulating the essence of the subject matter within a modestly-sized canvas.
This artwork presents a stylized depiction of a cat, executed with a whimsical and abstract touch that is characteristic of Klee’s signature style. Compositionally, the cat seems to be fragmented into geometric shapes and forms, with sharp angles and pointed ears that suggest the outline of the feline figure. The color palette includes muted greens, blues, grays, and hints of browns and oranges, which are applied with a degree of transparency and overlay to create depth and texture. The animal’s depiction is non-naturalistic and appears to focus on the inner qualities and spirit of the cat rather than its physical accuracy. Surrounding the central figure, the background employs similarly abstract strokes and shadings, complementing the subject. The artwork is indicative of Klee’s exploration of color theory and his inclination towards a playfully abstract representation of reality.