Theo van Doesburg
(Dutch, 1883 - 1931)

Tree, 1916
Oil on panel; 26 in x 22 in (66 cm x 55.9 cm)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Jan de Graaff, 53.25

(full size)
 
Believing in the potential for form to reflect a universal harmony, Theo van Doesburg sought to distill the arts to their essential elements. His paintings systematically eliminate the illusion of depth in favor of geometry, line, and color. His “transfigurations” abstract recognizable forms into compositions of spiritual “essence.” At the beginning of the century he helped establish the Dutch artistic movement, De Stijl, which emphasized the relationship between varied art forms such as architecture, decorative arts, typography, film and poetry.