Mondrian and Cubism

This book explores Piet Mondrian's transformative years in Paris from 1912 to 1914, highlighting his shift to abstract art influenced by Cubism and his impact on Dutch artists of the time.

Mondrian and Cubism offers an insightful examination of a crucial phase in Piet Mondrian's artistic journey, focusing on his transformative years in Paris from 1912 to 1914. Originally published in Dutch to coincide with a 2014 exhibition at the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag, this English edition makes the significant insights accessible to a broader audience. During this period, Mondrian was deeply influenced by the works of Cubist pioneers Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso, which inspired him to explore a new, abstract style.

As Mondrian immersed himself in the vibrant Parisian art scene, he began to shift from figurative representation to more complex and abstract compositions. Utilizing a Cubist color palette of grey and ochre, he reinterpreted landscapes and architectural structures, moving towards an entirely original approach to abstraction. Upon his return to the Netherlands in 1914, Mondrian showcased 17 paintings that encapsulated his artistic evolution during these formative years in France.

The book not only highlights Mondrian's individual journey but also contextualizes his work within the broader movement of Cubism in the Netherlands. Featuring over 300 illustrations, including detailed analyses of key pieces, the volume provides a comprehensive look at how Mondrian bridged the gap between French Cubism and Dutch artistic practices. A chronology by Mondrian expert Hans Janssen further enriches the narrative, tracing the artist's development and the influences that shaped his groundbreaking contributions to modern art.