“Fragile,” created by Wassily Kandinsky in 1931, stands as a remarkable exemplar of Abstract Art. This tempera on cardboard work, measuring 35.4 x 49 cm, embodies the artist’s innovative vision and abstract exploration. Originating from Alten / Dessau-alten, Germany, the artwork presently resides in the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nantes, Nantes, France.
The artwork features a composition of geometric shapes and abstract forms set against a deep blue background. Dominant elements include a delicate arch stretching across the lower portion of the piece, atop which a series of triangular and rectangular shapes are precariously balanced. To the left, a circular form is partially segmented by horizontal lines, while the right side of the artwork hosts simple, linear constructions. Kandinsky’s use of tempera lends a textured, tactile quality to the painted forms, enhancing their visual weight and presence. The arrangement of shapes and lines evoke a sense of equilibrium and tension, characteristic of Kandinsky’s abstract style.
