Ludwigstrasse

Paul Klee

1912

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Early Modern Cityscape

About this work

This sketch shows a wobbly cityscape with buildings that look like they’re leaning or melting. The lines are shaky, almost like they were drawn fast or with a trembling hand. Some shapes are dark and solid, while others fade into the light paper. The artist used quick, uneven strokes—some thick, some thin—to suggest rooftops and streets. The whole thing feels rough and unfinished, like a first draft. Next, look up cross-hatching to see how artists build shadows with lines.