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Wassily Kandinsky

Russian, 1866-1944

“Color is a means of exerting a direct influence upon the soul,” wrote the pioneering abstract artist Wassily Kandinsky. The Russian-born painter and theorist dedicated his life to using abstract compositions of form and color to express deep emotion as well as to depict the language of music through visuals.

Kandinsky was part of a crucial moment in art history — the early 20th century — that saw the rise of movements like Cubism. He embraced styles such as Surrealism and Fauvism and was a leading figure in bringing together Der Blaue Reiter (the name means “The Blue Rider” after one of Kandinsky’s paintings) in 1911, a group of avant-garde artists in Munich, including Paul Klee and Franz Marc, who explored spiritual concepts through their art as a response to the materialism of the time. Kandinsky also led courses on analytical drawing and color at the Bauhaus. He was appointed by founder and architect Walter Gropius to teach in Weimar in 1922. He taught at all three of the legendary school’s locations and remained with the institution until its forced closure by the Nazi party in Berlin.

The artist had the rare and unusual trait of synesthesia, the neurological ability to perceive things using multiple senses. In Kandinsky’s case, it was the gift of “seeing” music, and music appeared in every aspect of his work, including the titles of his series “Compositions,” “Improvisations” and “Impressions.” He once described the experience of painting using a musical metaphor: “I had little thought for houses and trees, drawing colored lines and blobs on the canvas with my palette knife, and making them sing just as powerfully as I knew how.”

While Kandinsky isn’t the first abstract artist — mystically inclined painter Hilma af Klint was making nonrepresentational art well before him — he certainly had the biggest impact on establishing the style. His paintings inspired the likes of Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and other Abstract Expressionists. From his Untitled (First Abstract Watercolor) painted in 1910 to future works, his unique take on using color and flair for bold, experimental compositions, Kandinsky is one of the most important figures of early-20th-century art.

Find original Wassily Kandinsky art, including paintings and prints, on 1stDibs.

Second Etching for Editions Cahiers d'Art - Expressionism Russian Abstract
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in London, GB
WASSILY KANDINSKY 1866-1944 Moscow 1866 - 1944 Neuilly-sur-Seine, France (Russian/German) Title: Second Etching for Editions Cahiers d'Art | Zweite Radierung für die Editions Cahie...
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1930s Abstract Expressionist Wassily Kandinsky

Materials

Etching

"10 Origin" original woodcut
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original woodcut. (Catalogue reference Roethel 203). Printed in 1975 on Arches paper for the "Homage to Kandinsky" special edition of the art revue XXe Siecle. Image size: 8 ...
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1970s Wassily Kandinsky

Materials

Woodcut

"Reiterweg" original woodcut
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original woodcut. Catalogue reference Roethel 111. Printed in Paris in 1938 for the art revue XXe Siecle (issue number 3). Image size: 6 1/2 x 8 1/4 inches (165 x 213 mm). Sh...
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1930s Expressionist Wassily Kandinsky

Materials

Woodcut

"Orientalisches" original woodcut
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original color woodcut. Catalogue reference Roethel 106. Printed in Paris in 1938 for the art revue XXe Siecle (issue number 3). Image size: 4 7/8 x 7 1/2 inches (123 x 190 m...
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1930s Expressionist Wassily Kandinsky

Materials

Woodcut

"Schwartzer Fleck" original woodcut
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original woodcut. Catalogue reference Roethel 145. Printed in Paris in 1938 for the art revue XXe Siecle (issue number 3). Image size: 7 x 8 1/2 inches (170 x 218 mm). Sheet ...
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1930s Expressionist Wassily Kandinsky

Materials

Woodcut

"The Archer" original woodcut
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original color woodcut. Catalogue reference Roethel 79. Printed in Paris in 1938 for the art revue XXe Siecle (issue number 3). Image size: 6 1/2 x 6 inches (165 x 153 mm). S...
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1930s Expressionist Wassily Kandinsky

Materials

Woodcut

"Motif aus Improvisation 25: The Garden of Love" original woodcut
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original woodcut. Catalogue reference Roethel 105. Printed in Paris in 1938 for the art revue XXe Siecle (issue number 3). Image size: 8 1/2 x 8 3/4 inches (217 x 220 mm). Sh...
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1930s Expressionist Wassily Kandinsky

Materials

Woodcut

Berggruen by Wassily Kandinsky - colorful abstract lithographic poster
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in New York, NY
Artist: Wassily Kandinsky Medium: Original Lithographic Poster, 1972 Dimensions: 25.5 x 14.25 in / 65 x 36 cm Classic poster paper - Perfect Condition A+ This colorful modern lit...
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1970s Modern Wassily Kandinsky

Materials

Lithograph

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Wassily Kandinsky art for sale on 1stDibs

1stDibs offers a wide variety of authentic Wassily Kandinsky art for sale. If you're looking for a way to add color to a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of green, orange, yellow and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find Wassily Kandinsky's art in woodcut print, etching, lithograph and more. Much of this artist's original work was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Wassily Kandinsky art, so small editions measuring 3.25 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Larry Zox, Robert Kelly and Zao Wou-Ki. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $75 and tops out at $42,000, while the average work can sell for $1,723. Wassily Kandinsky art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes.
Questions About Wassily Kandinsky
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Wassily Kandinsky's art is largely in the style of Expressionism. The movement began in the early 20th century and focused on conveying the emotional aspects of the subject. Expressionist paintings tend to feature bright colors and dramatic lines. Find a range of Wassily Kandinsky art on 1stDibs.

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