The artwork “Murnau with Church I” by Wassily Kandinsky was created in 1910 and embodies the expressionist movement to which the artist significantly contributed. This oil on cardboard piece measures 64.7 x 50.2 cm and depicts a cityscape. Currently housed at the Lenbachhaus in Munich, Germany, the artwork was created in Munich, reflecting Kandinsky’s experiences in this region.
The artwork is characterized by vibrant color contrasts and a dynamic composition that captures the essence of the expressionist movement. Broad strokes of vivid color define abstracted shapes that suggest elements of a town, with a church visible amidst the forms. The interplay of color and form creates a sense of movement and emotional resonance, rather than a literal representation of a cityscape. Kandinsky’s bold use of color and the manner in which the shapes are deconstructed and reimagined exemplify his journey toward increasing abstraction, where color and form aim to express internal rather than external realities.
