Preview
Send
Share
Details
Guide
Download
Similars
X-Ray
Diaporama
StatsComposition 1916
Read More
Hand Made Oil Reproduction
Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. (
Switch to Print Switch to Digital Image)
P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8
Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.
Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. This is hand-painted, so for a size with a different shape the artist can paint a bit more around the picture, or cut a bit — you choose. We send you a digital mockup to approve before the painting starts. The picture shown on this page does not show the real result — only the mockup does.
After order, ArtsDot.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview
Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (21 October). No compromise on quality.
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
High-Quality Linen Canvas
Full Shipping Insurance
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
True Color Matching Guarantee
100-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
100% Money-Back Guarantee
Bulk Discount Offer
Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
Composition 1916
Reproduction Medium
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 263
A Prelude to Neoplasticism: Exploring Mondrian’s ‘Composition 1916’
Piet Mondrian's ‘Composition 1916’ is a pivotal work marking a crucial transition in the artist’s oeuvre, and within the broader trajectory of abstract art. It stands as a compelling example of his move away from representational painting towards the radical simplification that would define his signature Neoplastic style. This isn’t merely an arrangement of lines and colors; it's a visual articulation of Mondrian’s evolving spiritual and philosophical beliefs.Deconstructing Reality: Style & Technique
The artwork is firmly rooted in geometric abstraction, displaying characteristics that align with both Constructivism and De Stijl – movements emphasizing pure abstraction and universal forms. However, ‘Composition 1916’ isn't yet the rigidly defined grid system Mondrian would later become famous for. Instead, it presents a more dynamic interplay of intersecting lines, rectangles, and squares. The technique is meticulous, suggesting careful planning and precise application of oil paint on canvas. The layering effect indicates a deliberate process, possibly utilizing masking techniques to achieve the sharp edges and overlapping planes. While appearing flat, this depth is cleverly created through the arrangement of forms rather than traditional perspective.A Journey Towards Universal Harmony
Born in 1872, Piet Mondrian was deeply influenced by Theosophy – a spiritual movement seeking universal truths beyond the material world. He believed that art should transcend the particular and represent the underlying order of reality. ‘Composition 1916’ embodies this quest. The absence of recognizable objects isn't an omission, but rather a deliberate attempt to strip away the superficial and reveal essential structures. The interplay of vertical and horizontal lines, along with the limited palette of red, blue, yellow, grey, and black, represents a striving for balance and harmony – core tenets of his artistic philosophy.Symbolism & Emotional Resonance
While abstract, ‘Composition 1916’ isn't devoid of meaning. The intersecting lines can be interpreted as representing the interconnectedness of all things, while the geometric shapes symbolize fundamental building blocks of reality. The dynamic tension between order and chaos, control and freedom, creates a visual energy that is both stimulating and calming. It evokes a sense of intellectual rigor combined with spiritual aspiration. The colors themselves carry symbolic weight: red representing vitality, blue signifying spirituality, and yellow embodying earthly energy.Historical Significance & Legacy
Created around 1916, this work predates the formal establishment of De Stijl in 1917, yet it foreshadows its core principles. Mondrian co-founded De Stijl with Theo van Doesburg, and together they sought to create a “universal style” applicable to all forms of art and design. ‘Composition 1916’ is therefore not just a painting; it's a stepping stone towards a revolutionary artistic vision that would profoundly influence modern art, architecture, and design throughout the 20th century and beyond. Its impact can be seen in everything from furniture to fashion, demonstrating the enduring power of Mondrian’s abstract language.Collecting & Interior Design
A reproduction of ‘Composition 1916’ offers a sophisticated touch to any interior space. Its geometric precision and balanced color palette make it particularly well-suited for modern or minimalist settings.- Its abstract nature allows it to complement a wide range of color schemes.
- The artwork's intellectual depth adds a layer of sophistication to living rooms, offices, or studies.
- Consider pairing it with furniture featuring clean lines and geometric forms for a cohesive aesthetic.
Questions & Answers
What size and orientation are recommended for a print of "Composition 1916" by Piet Mondrian?
medium size, tall orientation: that is the print setup suggested for "Composition 1916" by Piet Mondrian.
Is Piet Mondrian, creator of "Composition 1916", known under other names?
Piet Mondrian appears under the alternate names Pieter Cornelis Mondriaan, Jr..
From which country does the Neoplasticism work "Composition 1916" come?
"Composition 1916" was created by Piet Mondrian, born in Netherlands, within the Neoplasticism movement. The artist's origin links the work to Neoplasticism as practiced by artists from Netherlands.
Related Artworks
Artist Biography
The Architecture of Order
To look at a Mondrian today is to see the blueprint of modern visual culture. We encounter his logic every time we interact with a clean graphic layout or a minimalist building facade. He stripped away the unnecessary until only the essential remained. This was not an act of destruction, but one of extreme distillation. By reducing his vocabulary to straight lines, right angles, and a strict palette of red, blue, and yellow, he removed the distraction of reality to reveal a structural truth.
His early work in the Netherlands followed much more traditional paths. He began with landscapes that captured the windmills and rivers of the Dutch countryside, heavily influenced by the Hague School and Impressionism. Pieces like The Red Mill show an artist focused on naturalistic detail and the soft light of his homeland. However, even in these early years, a drive toward simplification was present. He moved through Pointillism and Fauvism, testing how much color and form could be compressed before the subject disappeared entirely.
The Parisian Shift and Neoplasticism
The move to Paris in 1912 changed everything. Encountering Cubism forced him to deconstruct objects into geometric components. He stopped trying to depict what he saw and began exploring how he saw it. This period was deeply tied to his interest in Theosophy, a mystical philosophy that sought universal principles beneath surface appearances. He believed art could express these hidden truths through pure abstraction.
By 1917, this search resulted in Neoplasticism, or "pure plastic art." Alongside Theo van Doesburg, he co-founded the De Stijl movement to promote a rigid aesthetic of horizontal and vertical lines. The rules were absolute:
- The use of primary colors: red, blue, and yellow.
- The use of primary values: black, white, and gray.
- A focus on right angles and straight lines.
This reduction was a deliberate attempt to manifest spiritual order through visual balance. Works like Composition with Red, Blue and Yellow demonstrate this commitment to geometric purity.
New York and the Final Rhythm
The arrival of World War II forced Mondrian to flee Europe for New York City in 1940. The transition from the organic landscapes of his youth to the rigid grid of Manhattan provided a new, unexpected energy. His late works, such as Broadway Boogie Woogie, show a shift in rhythm. While he maintained his core principles, the lines began to dance with a new, syncopated movement inspired by the city's pulse and jazz music.
His death in 1944 ended a career that had fundamentally altered the trajectory of 20th-century art. He left behind a legacy that moved far beyond the canvas, influencing everything from architecture to fashion, including the famous 1965 collection by Yves Saint Laurent. His work remains a standard for anyone seeking clarity and structural integrity in a chaotic visual age.
Piet Mondrian
1872 - 1944 , Netherlands
Related Articles
Geometric Abstraction's 10 Defining Masterpieces | Art for Your Home - ArtsDot
Explore 10 defining masterpieces of Geometric Abstraction! Discover Kandinsky, Mondrian & Malevich’s iconic works. Find museum-quality art reproductions and curated decor ideas to elevate your home at ArtsDot.com.
Piet Mondrian: Deconstructing Reality – A Study of Neo-Plasticism & Universal Harmony
Explore the revolutionary art of Piet Mondrian and the principles of Neo-Plasticism. Discover De Stijl's influence, iconic compositions like 'Composition with Red, Yellow and Blue,' and Mondrian’s lasting legacy on modern design.
Beyond Form: Exploring the Philosophical Foundations of Geometric Abstraction
Explore the philosophical roots & artistic evolution of geometric abstraction with ArtsDot. Discover Mondrian, Malevich, De Stijl & more. Expert insights for collectors and art enthusiasts.
Beyond Form & Color: Geometric Abstraction's Evolution in 20th/21st Century Art
Explore the evolution of geometric abstraction from Cubism to contemporary art. Discover key artists like Malevich & Mondrian, investment insights, and expert collecting advice at ArtsDot.
Theo van Doesburg: Pioneering De Stijl & the Evolution of Neo-Plasticism
Explore the revolutionary De Stijl movement & Neo-Plasticism with our expert guide. Discover Piet Mondrian, Theo van Doesburg, and the lasting impact of this influential art style. Learn about collecting & investing in De Stijl masterpieces.
