“Counter Composition X,” created by Theo van Doesburg in 1924 in Germany, is an exemplary piece of Neoplasticism. Rendered in oil on canvas, this abstract artwork measures 50.5 x 50.5 cm. Currently, it resides in the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands.
The artwork is characterized by its use of bold, geometric forms and primary colors. It features a large yellow rectangle in the lower right, juxtaposed against a thick black border that frames the composition on three sides, creating a sense of structured balance. A striking red rectangle is positioned near the top, contrasting vividly against the black background, while a narrow vertical blue stripe along the left edge adds a dynamic element to the otherwise stark interplay of shapes and colors. The overall design exemplifies the Neoplasticist movement’s focus on purity of form and color, emphasizing the harmony and equilibrium within an ostensibly simple yet profoundly calculated arrangement.
