For this winterly work entitled "Sommeil d'Hiver", Klee chose cool but also some surprisingly warming pastel shades. For him, winter is obviously more than frost, coldness and frozen nature. It is a time of upcoming rebirth and growth in spring. There is an apparently pregnant sleeping woman (Mother Nature?). A small heart, drawn in a strong red, represents a growing new life that will emerge in the spring.
This beautiful piece is one of Klee's most uplifting works. Created duing his exile in Switzerland it perhaps reflects his hopes for a brighter future ahead.
Plate signed at lower right. Verso is another lithograph with a flamboyant signature, title and a drawing of falling snow.

The twin lithographs were created by master printers Mourlot Freres in Paris having been commissioned by the art entrpreneur Teriade and distributed with the third issue of his stunning art quarterly Verve. One of 100 included in the rare bound hardcover omnibus.

14"x10" on cream double weight Arches velin paper, matted to 16"x12" in a gold wooden frame.