This portrait work compresses the various elements into a single spatial plane, using colour and tone to denote spatial contrast; this creates an unusual perspective effect. I was able to view it in the Museo del Prado, Madrid, earlier in 2007.

This is an interesting work. It represents the culmination of a series of experiments by Klee, who sought to redefine the traditional system of colour representation in a radial pattern around an axis consisting of red, yellow and blue (the three primary colours). Klee draw inspiration from nature and music: each element in the painting he described as an independent melody in a polyphonic composition.  Read more »

This painting depicts Picasso’s partner and muse, Dora Maar. In 2006, the painting was sold at auction for USD$95.2m to an anonymous Russian bidder.