Understanding the Work of Piet Mondrian

1922 Composition

Painted in 1922
Oil on Canvas, 15" x 13 3/4”

In this composition, Mondrian employs a good sense of balance between the planes and colors. He focuses on the basic foundation of drawing, lines, to form his linear planes. And his strategic use of primary colors allows for the formation of a unique triad. This painting is an early example of Mondrian's focus towards purification, reducing a painting to the simple elements of line and color. His attention to detail comes to show through the evolution of his work. Each new compostion has a specific relationship to the one before. While there may seem to be slight variation in his work, every painting addresses a specific element towards his later works.

1929 Composition

Painted in 1929
Oil on Canvas, 20 1/2" x 20 1/2"

In a process of simplification from his prior composition, Mondrian narrows his focus in this piece. He works with one primary color, red, and also limits his use of lines. It seems that Mondrian wanted to explore individual planes by differentiating the thickness and value of the black lines. This exploration leaves the viewer counting the number of rectangular planes within the composition.

Composition with Red, Blue and Yellow

Painted in 1930
Oil on Canvas, 20 1/8" x 20 1/8"

This composition seems to be a variation of Mondrian's prior piece. The expansion in color adds brightness to this image. His focus on the construction of rectangular shapes from different types of lines reveals his deeper understanding of contrast and balance. This piece, in addition to Mondrian's compositions from 1922 and 1929, demonstrates his focus on simplicity.

Composition with Red and Black

Painted in 1936
Oil on Canvas, 23 1/4" x 22 1/4"

In this composition, Mondrian expands the number of linear elements to create a multitude of rectangular polygons that are each of a different size. Mondrian's limited use of color accentuates the compositional force of lines and places more focus and concentration on the series of rectangles. Perhaps this composition was a transitional piece from his 1930 piece and Composition London.

Composition London

Painted in 1940 / 1942
Oil on Canvas, 32 1/2" x 28"

In this piece, Mondrian combines elements from his prior compositions and forms a more-complex piece. Although he increases the number of linear elements in this piece, he still maintains his attention to detail. His precise use of color is noted, particularly on the left edge, with his slight touches of red. Overall this piece seems to have some sense of balance as it has five columns and five rows.

New York City I

Painted in 1942
Oil on Canvas, 47 1/4" x 56 3/4"

Mondrian adds a greater sense of complexity to this composition when compared to his last piece. He abandons his use of black lines, and converges his use of line and color into one form,, as he interweaves his lines to create this piece. He utilizes a larger number of linear elements to create a great number of rectangular shapes.

Broadway Boogie Woogie

Painted in 1942/1943
Oil on Canvas, 50" x 50"

This is the last piece that Mondrian completed. From his earlier works, where he focused on large rectangular planes divided by long continuous lines, he zooms out his perspective and paints these rectalinear shapes into much smaller forms. There is an unexpected feel of rhythym, as if the composition is to resemble a dancing city. Using the opposition of contraries, a deliberate harmony
is found.

	1922 Composition Painted in 1922 Oil on Canvas, 15" x 13 3/4” In this composition, Mondrian employs a good sense of balance between the planes and colors. He focuses on the basic foundation of drawing, lines, to form his linear planes. And his strategic use of primary colors allows for the formation of a unique triad. This painting is an early example of Mondrian's focus towards purification, reducing a painting to the simple elements of line and color. His attention to detail comes to show through the evolution of his work. Each new compostion has a specific relationship to the one before. While there may seem to be slight variation in his work, every painting addresses a specific element towards his later works.
	1929 Composition Painted in 1929 Oil on Canvas, 20 1/2" x 20 1/2" In a process of simplification from his prior composition, Mondrian narrows his focus in this piece. He works with one primary color, red, and also limits his use of lines. It seems that Mondrian wanted to explore individual planes by differentiating the thickness and value of the black lines. This exploration leaves the viewer counting the number of rectangular planes within the composition.
	Composition with Red, Blue and Yellow Painted in 1930 Oil on Canvas, 20 1/8" x 20 1/8" This composition seems to be a variation of Mondrian's prior piece. The expansion in color adds brightness to this image. His focus on the construction of rectangular shapes from different types of lines reveals his deeper understanding of contrast and balance. This piece, in addition to Mondrian's compositions from 1922 and 1929, demonstrates his focus on simplicity.
	Composition with Red and Black Painted in 1936 Oil on Canvas, 23 1/4" x 22 1/4" In this composition, Mondrian expands the number of linear elements to create a multitude of rectangular polygons that are each of a different size. Mondrian's limited use of color accentuates the compositional force of lines and places more focus and concentration on the series of rectangles. Perhaps this composition was a transitional piece from his 1930 piece and Composition London.
	Composition London Painted in 1940 / 1942 Oil on Canvas, 32 1/2" x 28" In this piece, Mondrian combines elements from his prior compositions and forms a more-complex piece. Although he increases the number of linear elements in this piece, he still maintains his attention to detail. His precise use of color is noted, particularly on the left edge, with his slight touches of red. Overall this piece seems to have some sense of balance as it has five columns and five rows.
	New York City I Painted in 1942 Oil on Canvas, 47 1/4" x 56 3/4" Mondrian adds a greater sense of complexity to this composition when compared to his last piece. He abandons his use of black lines, and converges his use of line and color into one form,, as he interweaves his lines to create this piece. He utilizes a larger number of linear elements to create a great number of rectangular shapes.
	Broadway Boogie Woogie Painted in 1942/1943 Oil on Canvas, 50" x 50" This is the last piece that Mondrian completed. From his earlier works, where he focused on large rectangular planes divided by long continuous lines, he zooms out his perspective and paints these rectalinear shapes into much smaller forms. There is an unexpected feel of rhythym, as if the composition is to resemble a dancing city. Using the opposition of contraries, a deliberate harmony is found.