Study for a Composition
1940–41
Medium
Collage of cut and pasted papers, prepared with gouache and charcoal, on pieced cream wove newsprint in three parts with charcoal on verso
Dimensions
Max: 33 × 27 cm (13 × 10 11/16 in.)
Classification
collage
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
142570
Art Historical Context
Piet Mondrian, a leading figure of the De Stijl movement and a pioneer of geometric abstraction, created this collage during his early years in New York after fleeing wartime Europe. Dating from 1940–41, *Study for a Composition* reflects the artist’s lifelong pursuit of harmony through simplified forms, horizontal and vertical lines, and balanced color relationships. As a preparatory work, it offers a rare glimpse into Mondrian’s meticulous process of refining his iconic neoplastic style before committing ideas to canvas. The piece is constructed from cut and pasted papers prepared with goua...