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Piet Mondrian, Tableau No. IV; Lozenge Composition with Red, Gray, Blue, Yellow, and Black, c. 1924/1925, oil on canvas, National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of Herbert and Nannette Rothschild

Tableau No. IV; Lozenge Composition with Red, Gray, Blue, Yellow, and Black, Mondrian (Verbal Description)

Though totally abstract, Mondrian’s “neo-plastic” paintings attempt to capture the complex equilibrium found in nature. The reduced color palette and stark opposition of black vertical and horizontal lines against blocks of white and primary colors were meant to spiritually represent natural harmony. This was the first neo-plastic painting to be created in the lozenge, or diamond, format.

09/30/16