The artwork, titled “Study for Composition VIII (The Cow)”, was created by the eminent artist Theo van Doesburg around the year 1918. Executed using charcoal, oil, and paper, this piece is a significant example of the Neoplasticism art movement. It measures 39.7 by 57.7 cm and falls under the genre of sketch and study.
The artwork exemplifies van Doesburg’s exploration of abstract forms and geometric compositions typical of Neoplasticism. It consists of a series of structured, rectilinear shapes with a predominantly green background. The use of black outlines to separate white and colored sections—including patches of purple, yellow, and small areas of orange—creates a contrast and depth within the abstract representation. The minimalist and stylized forms suggest the essence of the subject while adhering strictly to the principles of simplicity and abstraction of the De Stijl movement. The overall composition reveals the artist’s intent to reduce natural forms to their fundamental geometric components, embodying his theoretical and stylistic pursuits during this period.
