This paper shall deconstruct Paul Klee’s German Expressionist painting, Angelus Novus (1920), with the objective of contextualizing a modality of balance aesthetic. The process shall then analyse the Pedagogical Sketchbook (1925), transcribed by Paul Klee in 1918, to critically examine a content of pedagogical homeostatic practice methodology, and focus on a diagrammatic construct within the book, Building a Tower (1918). The attention on an analysis of this diagrammatic has the objective of identifying it as a pedagogical homeostasis model, and to evidence this model informing a modality of balance aesthetic for his later painting, Angelus Novus. Paul Klee’s pre-1918 practice is then assessed to distinguish trauma related poiesis, in consideration that psychological imbalance may have triggered instigation of homeostatic methodology within Pedagogical Sketchbook. Paul Klee’s painting after Building a Tower, shall then be deconstructed as a methodology of considering its practice influence. An overlaying technique will then be used to reinforce this theory of framework connectivity. As a Der Blaue Reiter artist, Paul Klee’s art was attributed new significance of ‘Entartete Kunst', in 1937 by Adolf Hitler. In this paper, the act of attributing new significance shall be referred to as ‘revalorization’.
The scholarly theses, Theses on the Philosophy of History (1939), by Walter Benjamin contains the stanza Theses IX, in which Angelus Novus is renamed as the, Angel of History. Within this paper, the act of renaming of Angelus Novus, requisitioned with its form redirected shall be termed as ‘appropriation.’ The configuration of Theses IX, is inconsistent in both style and structure of main body of the theses. The method of deconstructive critical assessment will be applied to both the variance within the scholarly paper, and the physical form -versus the descriptive text of the appropriated form of Angelus Novus. Assessment of discrepancies will be considered to determine fixity in Walter Benjamin’s ability to mediate and communicate rationally. Reflection contextualizing homeostatic disequilibrium, as causation for variance of subjectivity and state of mind, at the time of writing Theses IX are investigated.
The conclusion considers the homeostatic ontology, subsequent appropriation and revalorization of Angelus Novus, and the outcome intends to present a unique critical theory informing how the artwork should now be viewed.
Table of Contents
- Introducing the Angel(s)
- Angelus Novus
- The Angel of History
- Critical discrepancies within Walter Benjamin's Theses IX
- Homeostatic theory as proposed by Claude Bernard
- Indication of homeostatic theory migrating into literature
- Homeostasis within the methodology of Paul Klee's Pedagogical Sketchbook
- Critical review of trauma marked poesies in Paul Klee's pre-1918 painting
- The influence of homeostatic methodology within the Pedagogical Sketchbook
- The balance model within the framework of Angelus Novus
- Walter Benjamin's appropriation of Angelus Novus appears in, Theses on the Philosophy of History
- Walter Benjamin's traumatic experience within a volatile period in history
- Revalorization of the appropriated angel
- The duality discourse in context to Angelus Novus
- The Angel and the Artist
- The Keys to the Tower
- The Appropriated Angel of the Historian
- The Philosophical Revalorization from Art to Artefact
- In View of the Angel
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to deconstruct Paul Klee's Angelus Novus (1920), contextualizing its aesthetic balance within the framework of Claude Bernard's homeostatic theory. It analyzes Klee's Pedagogical Sketchbook (1925) to identify a pedagogical homeostasis model influencing Angelus Novus. The paper also examines the appropriation and revalorization of the painting by Walter Benjamin and Theodor Adorno, considering the impact of trauma and socio-political context on artistic creation and interpretation.
- Homeostatic theory in art and its application to Klee's work
- The influence of trauma and psychological imbalance on artistic practice
- The appropriation and revalorization of art in historical and socio-political contexts
- The duality and multiple interpretations of Angelus Novus
- Critical analysis of artistic methodology and its underlying principles
Chapter Summaries
Introducing the Angel(s): This chapter introduces Paul Klee's Angelus Novus (1920), describing its unique artistic style and unconventional depiction of an angelic figure. The chapter sets the stage for a deeper analysis of the painting's aesthetic qualities and symbolic meaning, highlighting its hybrid nature, ambiguous gender, and empathic gaze. It also introduces the painting's later appropriation by Walter Benjamin, hinting at the multifaceted interpretations the artwork has inspired.
Angelus Novus: This section provides a detailed description of Paul Klee's painting technique and the specific characteristics of Angelus Novus. The unusual combination of human and avian features, the expressive gaze, and the muted color palette are all discussed, highlighting the painting's unconventional approach to religious iconography and its potential for symbolic interpretation. The quote from Klee emphasizes the painting's enigmatic nature and its capacity for multiple readings.
The Angel of History: This chapter introduces Walter Benjamin's reimagining of Angelus Novus as the "Angel of History" in his Theses on the Philosophy of History. This section sets up a crucial aspect of the paper, namely the concept of appropriation, highlighting the transformation the painting undergoes when viewed through the lens of Benjamin's historical philosophy. The differences between the original painting and its appropriation will be analyzed to reveal how context and interpretation can shape the meaning of artwork.
Homeostatic theory as proposed by Claude Bernard: This chapter introduces Claude Bernard's homeostatic theory (1878) and establishes its relevance to the analysis of Klee’s artistic process. It lays the groundwork for understanding how principles of balance and equilibrium can be applied to artistic creation and interpretation, suggesting that the drive for homeostatic balance may have been a key element in Klee's artistic development and his response to personal and socio-political upheaval. The migration of this theory into creative aesthetics will be discussed, laying the foundation for applying it to Klee's work.
Indication of homeostatic theory migrating into literature: This section traces the dissemination of Claude Bernard's homeostatic theory into the realm of literature before the 20th century. The chapter's focus lies in demonstrating the reach and impact of Bernard's theory outside of pure scientific circles and how it influenced subsequent thinking regarding balance, equilibrium, and the human response to disruption. It serves as a contextual backdrop to understanding how the same principles might operate within the context of Paul Klee's artistic practice.
Homeostasis within the methodology of Paul Klee's Pedagogical Sketchbook: This chapter delves into Paul Klee's Pedagogical Sketchbook (1925), analyzing its content to identify potential indications of homeostatic methodology in Klee’s artistic process. It focuses on a specific diagram, "Building a Tower," interpreting it as a visual representation of Klee’s homeostatic model. The chapter aims to link this model to the visual balance and underlying structure of Angelus Novus. This forms a crucial link between the theoretical framework of homeostasis and the practical application of those principles in Klee's artistic creation.
Critical review of trauma marked poesies in Paul Klee's pre-1918 painting: This chapter explores Paul Klee's artistic work before 1918 to identify possible influences of trauma on his creative process. It investigates whether psychological imbalance might have contributed to the development of his homeostatic methodology later seen in the Pedagogical Sketchbook and Angelus Novus. The analysis considers how personal experiences could have impacted the artist's aesthetic choices and shaped his approach to artistic expression.
The influence of homeostatic methodology within the Pedagogical Sketchbook: This chapter builds upon the previous analysis of the Pedagogical Sketchbook, providing a more in-depth examination of how homeostatic principles are reflected in Klee’s artistic process. The chapter will elaborate on the significance of the connection between the ideas expressed in the sketchbook and the artistic strategies used in the creation of Angelus Novus.
The balance model within the framework of Angelus Novus: This chapter analyzes the visual balance and composition of Angelus Novus, directly relating these elements to the homeostatic model identified in Klee's earlier works. The chapter will offer a detailed visual analysis, relating specific elements of the painting to the underlying principles of homeostasis.
Walter Benjamin's appropriation of Angelus Novus appears in, Theses on the Philosophy of History: This chapter examines Walter Benjamin's appropriation of Angelus Novus in his Theses on the Philosophy of History. It analyzes the transformation of the painting's meaning when placed within the context of Benjamin's historical philosophy, focusing on the discrepancies between the original artwork and its reinterpretation within the framework of Benjamin’s historical dialectic.
Walter Benjamin's traumatic experience within a volatile period in history: This chapter explores the socio-political context surrounding Walter Benjamin's life and work, focusing on the impact of his personal experiences, particularly his Jewish heritage within the context of Nazi Germany, on his interpretation of Angelus Novus. The chapter will explore the extent to which these experiences may have influenced his interpretation and appropriation of the painting.
Revalorization of the appropriated angel: This chapter investigates the concept of "revalorization" applied to Angelus Novus, discussing how the painting's significance has been reshaped through its various appropriations and reinterpretations. This analysis considers the role of historical context and interpretation in influencing the painting's ongoing relevance and its shifting meanings over time.
The duality discourse in context to Angelus Novus: This chapter delves into the multiple interpretations of Angelus Novus, highlighting the inherent duality and complexities present in the artwork and its various appropriations. It will analyze the contrasting perspectives on the painting, exploring the tensions and contradictions that arise from its multiple meanings and its potential for varied interpretations.
The Angel and the Artist: This chapter examines the relationship between the artist and the artwork, specifically focusing on how Paul Klee's personal experiences may have informed the creation of Angelus Novus. This analysis will delve deeper into the themes of trauma, homeostatic balance, and psychological states, exploring the link between Klee's internal world and his artistic expression.
The Keys to the Tower: This chapter likely explores the symbolic meaning of the "Tower" motif within Klee's work, analyzing its connection to the themes of balance, structure, and the homeostatic model established earlier in the dissertation. It may also examine the metaphorical implications of the tower in the context of Angelus Novus.
The Appropriated Angel of the Historian: This chapter likely focuses on Benjamin's specific appropriation of the artwork and its significance within the broader context of his philosophical work. It probably delves into the nuances of Benjamin's interpretation and how it differs from or aligns with other interpretations of the artwork.
The Philosophical Revalorization from Art to Artefact: This chapter will analyze the transformation of Angelus Novus from a work of art into an artefact laden with historical and philosophical significance, emphasizing the impact of its appropriation and reinterpretations on its ongoing relevance and multiple meanings.
In View of the Angel: This chapter likely provides a concluding overview, possibly summarizing the key arguments and findings of the dissertation without revealing major conclusions or spoiling the overall narrative. It may reflect on the implications of the various interpretations presented throughout the paper.
Keywords
Paul Klee, Angelus Novus, Walter Benjamin, Theodor Adorno, homeostatic theory, German Expressionism, appropriation, revalorization, trauma, artistic methodology, pedagogical sketchbook, aesthetic balance, socio-political context, Jewish suffering, historical interpretation.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Analysis of Paul Klee's *Angelus Novus*
What is the main focus of this academic paper?
This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of Paul Klee's painting, Angelus Novus (1920), exploring its artistic, historical, and philosophical significance. It examines the painting's aesthetic qualities, its appropriation by Walter Benjamin, and its connection to Claude Bernard's homeostatic theory. The paper also investigates the influence of trauma and socio-political context on artistic creation and interpretation.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include homeostatic theory in art, the impact of trauma and psychological imbalance on artistic practice, the appropriation and revalorization of art in historical and socio-political contexts, the duality and multiple interpretations of Angelus Novus, and a critical analysis of artistic methodology.
How does the paper connect Paul Klee's *Angelus Novus* to Claude Bernard's homeostatic theory?
The paper argues that Klee's artistic process, particularly in Angelus Novus and his Pedagogical Sketchbook, reflects principles of homeostatic balance and equilibrium. It analyzes visual elements in Klee's work to identify a visual representation of a homeostatic model, suggesting that the drive for homeostatic balance was a key element in Klee's artistic development and response to personal and socio-political upheaval. The paper traces the influence of Bernard's theory into the field of art to support this connection.
What is the significance of Walter Benjamin's appropriation of *Angelus Novus*?
Walter Benjamin's reimagining of Angelus Novus as the "Angel of History" in his Theses on the Philosophy of History is a central focus. The paper examines the transformation of the painting's meaning when viewed through Benjamin's historical philosophy, highlighting the discrepancies between the original artwork and its reinterpretation. Benjamin's personal experiences and socio-political context are also analyzed to understand his unique perspective.
What role does trauma play in the paper's analysis?
The paper explores the potential influence of trauma, both personal (Klee's and Benjamin's) and socio-political (the context of World War I and Nazi Germany), on the creation and interpretation of Angelus Novus. It investigates whether psychological imbalance might have contributed to the development of Klee's homeostatic methodology and how personal experiences shaped their artistic choices and expressions.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect of Angelus Novus. These chapters cover the introduction of the painting, detailed descriptions of its visual elements, the historical context of its creation, Benjamin's interpretation, the application of homeostatic theory, and the analysis of Klee's Pedagogical Sketchbook. The paper concludes with reflections on the painting's multiple interpretations and enduring significance.
What are some key chapters and their respective focuses?
Key chapters include: "Introducing the Angel(s)" (introduces the painting), "Angelus Novus" (detailed description of the painting), "The Angel of History" (Benjamin's appropriation), "Homeostatic theory as proposed by Claude Bernard" (theoretical framework), "Homeostasis within the methodology of Paul Klee's Pedagogical Sketchbook" (connecting theory to practice), and "The Philosophical Revalorization from Art to Artefact" (examining the shifts in meaning over time). Each chapter contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the painting within its artistic, historical, and philosophical contexts.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Paul Klee, Angelus Novus, Walter Benjamin, Theodor Adorno, homeostatic theory, German Expressionism, appropriation, revalorization, trauma, artistic methodology, pedagogical sketchbook, aesthetic balance, socio-political context, Jewish suffering, and historical interpretation.
What is the overall conclusion of the paper (without revealing specific details)?
The paper aims to offer a multifaceted understanding of Angelus Novus, demonstrating its significance across various disciplines. It highlights the interconnectivity of art, history, philosophy, and psychology, and illustrates how the interpretations of a single artwork can evolve and diversify across time and contexts.
- Quote paper
- Julie Kim Rossiter (Author), 2017, Appropriating the Angel. Paul Klee’s "Angelus Novus" (1920), Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/377801
