Artwork
Composition (No. 1) Gray-Red
Composition (No. 1) Gray-Red is an oil painting by the De Stijl artist Piet Mondrian. It dates from 1935 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Composition (No.
- Accession no.
- 65821
- Credit line
- Gift of Mrs. Gilbert W. Chapman
About this work
Overview
Composition (No. 1) Gray-Red is an oil-on-canvas painting by Piet Mondrian, exemplifying his 'neoplasticism' style. Characterized by geometric forms and primary colors, the work embodies a shift towards abstract expression, prioritizing emotional resonance over representational art.
Subject & Meaning
The painting's subject is not a physical scene, but rather the pursuit of balance and harmony. Mondrian sought to convey a sense of order and unity, responding to the turmoil of World War I with a visually universal language.
Technique & Style
Mondrian employed a restrictive palette of grays, reds, and whites, divided by thick black lines. This composition showcases his signature use of verticals, horizontals, and rectangular blocks, achieving a dynamic yet balanced visual equilibrium.
History & Provenance
Created after Mondrian's 1917 joining of the De Stijl movement, this work reflects the group's utopian aspirations and their quest for a novel aesthetic following the war's devastation. The exact provenance details are not specified in the provided context.
Context
Emerging from the late 19th-century transition away from representational art, Composition (No. 1) Gray-Red sits at the forefront of 20th-century abstract art. It aligns with De Stijl's mission to forge a universal visual language, distinct from the chaos of the post-WWI era.
Legacy
This painting contributes significantly to the development of abstract art, influencing subsequent movements with its emphasis on formal elements and emotional expression. Mondrian's 'neoplasticism' paved the way for future explorations in geometric abstraction.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Pieter Cornelis Mondriaan (Dutch:; 7 March 1872 – 1 February 1944), known after 1911 as Piet Mondrian (, US also; Dutch: ), was a Dutch painter and art theoretician, who is regarded as one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.
