Composition VII

Composition VII is famous because it was the first time Kandinsky felt he had realized the ideal that inspired his Composition series. In his earlier compositions, he headed toward pure abstraction, and Composition VI is virtually entirely abstract. Composition VII transforms its predecessor's abstract visuals into a strictly geometric visual language. Though it may appear random, Kandinsky worked on over 30 sketches for several months before painting them in four days.

The picture is thought to allude to apocalyptic themes such as the Deluge, Last Judgment, Resurrection, and Paradise. Kandinsky considered it to be his most difficult effort. Composition VII, a whirling cyclone of colors and shapes, is considered by many abstract art lovers to be the most important painting in the genre, as well as Wassily Kandinsky's most recognized painting.

Year: 1913

Style: Abstract

Location: Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, Russia