The artwork titled “Picture XVI, The Great Gate of Kyiv. Stage set for Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition in Friedrich Theater, Dessau,” was created by Wassily Kandinsky in 1928 in Alten / Dessau-alten, Germany. It employs a mix of ink, watercolor, paper, and tempera mediums, representing the Abstract Art movement. Measuring 21.3 x 27.3 cm, it is classified within the design and cityscape genres.
The artwork features a vibrant and abstract amalgamation of shapes and colors. Dominated by geometric forms, the composition includes an array of angular and circular elements in bright and contrasting hues. These forms are arranged in a manner that evokes the essence of a cityscape, with a sense of architectural structure and dynamic movement. The use of primary colors alongside black and white creates a visually striking and balanced piece. The juxtaposition of light and dark areas, along with the intricate details, reflects Kandinsky’s mastery in creating a sense of harmony and rhythm in abstraction, aligning well with the thematic inspiration drawn from Mussorgsky’s musical work.
