Lozenge Composition with Yellow, Black, Blue, Red, and Gray
Piet Mondrian
"Lozenge Composition with Yellow, Black, Blue, Red, and Gray" is a significant work by Dutch painter Piet Mondrian, created in 1921. This painting exemplifies Mondrian's mature style, characterized by a grid of vertical and horizontal lines and a limited palette of primary colors along with black and gray. The composition is arranged in a lozenge shape, which reflects Mondrian's exploration of dynamic balance and spatial relationships. The use of color is intentional, with yellow, blue, red, and gray strategically placed to create visual tension and harmony. Mondrian was a key figure in the De Stijl movement, which sought to express universal beauty through abstraction and simplicity. This work is part of Mondrian's broader investigation into the relationship between color and form, aiming to convey a sense of order and clarity. The painting is housed in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, where it continues to be studied for its innovative approach to abstraction.
"Lozenge Composition with Yellow, Black, Blue, Red, and Gray" by Piet Mondrian exemplifies the artist's exploration of geometric abstraction and the use of a lozenge format. The composition is characterized by a dynamic arrangement of colored rectangles and squares, predominantly featuring a central yellow area, which is juxtaposed with black lines that delineate the various sections. The use of primary colors—blue and red—alongside gray creates a balanced yet vibrant visual rhythm. The painting's surface is smooth, with the oil medium applied in a manner that emphasizes the flatness of the canvas, adhering to Mondrian's principles of neoplasticism. The overall effect is one of harmony and tension, achieved through the careful placement of color and form within the lozenge shape. The work reflects Mondrian's commitment to abstraction and his belief in the expressive potential of color and line.