“Composición en Gris – Azul” is an abstract painting created by the Dutch artist Piet Mondrian in 1913, during the period when he was influenced by Cubism. The artwork, measuring 79.5 by 63.5 cm, is a testament to this movement and its aesthetic principles. Currently, this piece is housed in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, Spain. It encapsulates the early twentieth-century avant-garde spirit and marks Mondrian’s journey toward pure abstraction.
The artwork presents a complex arrangement of geometric forms and planes interlocking and overlapping in a predominantly grey and blue palette. Sharp lines and contours define the fragmented space, where shapes hint at an underlying order amidst the apparent chaos. The choice of colors, subdued yet deliberate, reflects Mondrian’s interest in creating harmony through art. The varying tones and textures interplay to evoke depth and movement, suggesting that the piece may be rooted in real-world observations, abstracted to the point of breaking down conventional representation.
At this phase of Mondrian’s artistic development, the work showcases his departure from naturalism and his move toward the abstraction for which he later became renowned. The influence of Cubism is evident in the way the forms fracture and redefine space, challenging the viewer’s perception and encouraging them to engage with the composition in a more introspective and intellectual manner.
