“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.
Surrealist Lithographs by Wassily Kandinsky and Andre Masson, circa 1938
By André Masson, Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Surrealist Lithographs, by Wassily Kandinsky and Andre Masson for the limited edition 1938 portfolio Verve and printed by the famed French printer Mourlot. The one seen ...
Glass, Wood, Paper
$540Sale Price|20% Off
Wassily Kandinsky Print from Painting
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Miami, FL
Wassily Kandinsky print. Titled: Yellow-Red-Blue, originally painted in 1925, harmonious and perfect form among geometrical shapes. This is a...
Wood, Paper
Wassily Kandinsky Limited Edition Offset Lithograph Print "Liason" Maeght R55
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful limited edition abstract Expressionism offset lithograph of the Russian painter and art theorist Wassily Kandinsky's "Liason". This work has been printed on Arches paper ...
Paper
$195Sale Price|40% Off
Mit und Gegen Wall Art by Wassily Kandinsky Giclee Print
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage Giclee Print of Wassily Kandinsky's 1929 abstract masterpiece "Mit und Gegen", the print comes in its original black modern wood frame. ...
Glass, Wood, Paper
$475Sale Price|29% Off
Wassily Kandinsky Abstract Silk Screen Print Titled Improvisation Deluge
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Miami, FL
Wassily Kandinsky abstract silk screen print. Titled: Improvisation Deluge, original painted in 1913, a colorful and restless wave rolls. A ray of light in the center, colorful stars, a dark mountain and pointed pyramid on the left. This from the 1990 edition published in homage to Wassily Kandinsky by Publisher: Benedikt Taschen in Munich. This Wassily Kandinsky print...
Paper, Wood
Selection of Black and White Lithographs by Kandinsky Chillida Ubac Raynaud
By Raoul Ubac, Wassily Kandinsky, Eduardo Chillida
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Mid-Century Modern Abstract Lithographs, recently professionally framed in vintage gilt wood frames under UV resistant glass. They are priced at $575 each or $2000 for all four works. From left to right, as seen in the first photo, they are: 1) Abstract lithograph by Raoul Ubac, from the limited edition portfolio Le Derriere Miroir...
Glass, Wood, Paper
$495Sale Price|26% Off
Wassily Kandinsky Abstract Silk Screen Print Titled Improvisation 26
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Miami, FL
Wassily Kandinsky abstract silk screen print. Titled: Improvisation 26 original painted in 1912, harmonious and perfect form among geometrical shapes. This is a cut-out from the 199...
Wood, Paper
$495Sale Price|26% Off
Wassily Kandinsky Silk Screen Print Titled Riding Couple
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Miami, FL
Wassily Kandinsky silk screen print. Titled: Riding Couple, original painted in 1906, harmonious and perfect form among geometrical shapes. This from the 1990 edition published in h...
Wood, Paper
Surrealist Lithographs by Wassily Kandinsky and Andre Masson, circa 1938
By André Masson, Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Surrealist Lithographs, by Wassily Kandinsky and Andre Masson for the limited edition 1938 portfolio Verve and printed by the famed French printer Mourlot. The one seen ...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Swedish Abstract Lithograph by Leif Knudsen c. 1962
By Leif Knudsen
Located in Atlanta, GA
Contemporary abstract lithograph by Swedish artist Leif Knudsen (1928-1975). Signed and dated. Framed under glass.
Framed Size: 28 1/4"W ...
Paper
$1,245
H 25.5 in W 23 in D 1.5 in
Alberto Giacometti Framed Black and White Limited Lithograph "Annette", 1964
By Alberto Giacometti
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful sketched lithograph by famed Swiss artists/sculptor Alberto Giacometti. The lithograph was printed in Paris by Mourlot Freres in 1964 and was issued in an edition of ...
Paper
$760Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.13 in W 33.63 in D 1.13 in
Framed Lithograph Landscape with View of the Lake and Boats Signed
By Henri Martin
Located in Miami, FL
A very colorful lithograph professionally framed, signed. This interesting work of art is attributed to Bernard Gatner. Will enhance any space. Measures: 26 1/8" H x 33 5/8" W x 1...
Paper
$131 / item
H 16.5 in W 11.7 in D 0.03 in
Estudios Geométricos Wall Art Print by Leticia Gagetti #03 - Size A3
By OWO Ceramics
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Abstract art print by Leticia Gagetti, printed on 260g high-quality paper with a matte finish that ensures vivid and saturated colors. Crafted through...
Paper
Surrealist Framed Print by Bruce Richards
By Bruce Richards
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Surrealist framed print by Bruce Richards (American, born 1948): "Witness (Man Ray)". Numbered 2/45 and signed Bruce Richards '92.
Ink, Paper
Vintage Richard Anuszkiewicz Lithograph
By Richard Anuskiewicz
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Richard Anuszkiewicz lithograph, 1970: Title: "Yellow Reversed". Off-set lithograph in colors. Size: 11.25 x 16.75 inches. Center fold-line as originally issued; Very goo...
Paper
$3,550
H 66 in W 66 in D 1.25 in
Wassily Kandinsky Style Large Scale Abstract Painting 66” x 66” Unsigned
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large scale colorful abstract painting in the style of Wassily Kandinsky, circa 1980s. Unsigned. It measures an impressive 66"H x 66"W.
Canvas
Interior Print
Located in New York, NY
A framed print of an elegant traditional bed chamber featuring a formal canopy bed; matted and finished in a gilt wood frame.
Paper
$495Sale Price|26% Off
H 28.75 in W 20.63 in D 1 in
Wassily Kandinsky Abstract Silk Screen Print Titled Improvisation 26
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Miami, FL
Wassily Kandinsky abstract silk screen print. Titled: Improvisation 26 original painted in 1912, harmonious and perfect form among geometrical shapes. This is a cut-out from the 199...
Wood, Paper
Antique Print of Parias from Madras in India, 1836
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Parias von Madras, Parias de Madras'. This print depicts Parias from Madras / Chennai, India. Originates from 'Naturgeschichte und Abbildungen des Menschen ...
Paper
Sold|$1,995
H 15.25 in W 12.75 in D 0.125 in
Wassily Kandinsky (Russian, 1866–1944) La Tache Noire Abstract Composition, 1924
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Atlanta, GA
Wassily Kandinsky (Russian, 1866–1944) La Tache Noire Abstract Composition, 1924 Hand-colored lithograph on cream paper, signed in plate with monogram "K 24" lower left; numbered in ...
Aluminum
Antique Print of a Nobleman from Venice by Jacquemin 'c.1870'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Noble de Venise 1488 (..)'. Original hand colored print of a nobleman from Venice, Italy. This print originates from 'Iconographie générale et Méthodique du Cos...
Paper
Sold
H 15.25 in W 12.75 in D 0.125 in
Wassily Kandinsky (Russian, 1866–1944) La Tache Noire Abstract Composition, 1924
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Atlanta, GA
Wassily Kandinsky (Russian, 1866–1944) La Tache Noire Abstract Composition, 1924 Hand-colored lithograph on cream paper, signed in plate with monogram "K 24" lower left; numbered in ...
Aluminum
Framed kandinsky Print "Improvisation 7", circa 1990
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Barcelona, ES
Framed kandinsky Print "Improvisation 7", circa 1990 Materials: Wood, glass, paper. Dimensions: D 3 x W 61,7 cm x H 76 cm The artwork is in its original condition, showing minor...
Paper
Wassily Kandinsky Framed Abstract Etching, circa 1960
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Wasily Kandinsky framed abstract etching. Made by the artist, circa 1960 Framed in Barcelona by a local artisan in natural fine wood. In ori...
Paper
Vintage Graphic Wassily Kandinsky, Weiches hart
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Wassily Kandinsky, Weiches hart Poster Number 486 The work is signed in print K/27 Work dimensions 60/80 Unframed work The original work was created in 1927. The print comes from th...
Paper
Kandinsky Silk Woven Wall Tapestry by Carpet Weavers Association
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in London, GB
Hand-knotted tapestry after design Wassily Kandinsky, second half of the 20th century. This is a beautiful work of art by a master artist is woven in silk on cotton, with a dense pile, is made by Carpet Weaver's Association. This hand woven tapestry is an interpretation of Kandinsky’s 1920...
Cotton, Silk
Wasilly Kandinsky Mid-Century Modern Abstract Woodcut
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Woodcut by Wassily Kandinsky. Signed on the plate. In good condition, preserving some traces of age and use. This is from the second edition printed under Kandinsky's supervis...
Paper
Sold
H 22 in W 14.5 in D 0.1 in
Wassily Kandinsky Limited Edition Lithograph Print "Standing" Maeght R59
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful limited edition abstract expressionism offset lithograph of the Russian painter and art theorist Wassily Kandinsky's "Standing". Maeght R59. This work has been printed on Arches paper and is plate signed (initialed in the design). Published by Maeght Editeur (one of France's premier publishers with their blind stamp in the corner) and printed by ARTE in Paris. Limited to 1000 copies. Wassily Kadinsky is commonly considered to be one of the pioneers of abstraction in western art. This print would be a great addition to any collectors of Kadinsky's work or Modern Abstract Expressionism art...
Paper
Sold
H 21 in W 14.75 in D 0.1 in
Wassily Kandinsky Limited Edition Colorful Lithograph Tirant Sur Le Violet
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful limited edition abstract Expressionism offset lithograph of the Russian painter and art theorist Wassily Kandinsky's "Tirant Sur...
Paper
Sold
H 19.5 in W 25.5 in D 0.1 in
Wassily Kandinsky Limited Edition Lithograph Deux Raies Noir Two Black Lines
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful limited edition abstract Expressionism offset lithograph of the Russian painter and art theorist Wassily Kandinsky's "Deux Raies Noir" (Two Black Lines). Maeght R60. This work has been printed on Arches paper and is plate signed (initialed in the design). Published by Maeght Editeur (one of France's premier publishers with their blind stamp in the corner) and printed by ARTE in Paris. Limited to 1000 copies. Wassily Kadinsky is commonly considered to be one of the pioneers of abstraction in western art. This print would be a great addition to any collectors of Kadinsky's work or Modern Abstract Expressionism art...
Paper
Sold
H 19.5 in W 25.5 in D 0.1 in
Wassily Kandinsky Limited Edition Offset Lithograph Plat Profond 'Deep Surface'
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful limited edition abstract Expressionism offset lithograph of the Russian painter and art theorist Wassily Kandinsky's "Plat Profond" (Deep Surface). Maeght R62. This work has been printed on Arches paper and is plate signed (initialed in the design). Published by Maeght Editeur (one of France's premier publishers with their blind stamp in the corner) and printed by ARTE in Paris. Limited to 1000 copies. Wassily Kadinsky is commonly considered to be one of the pioneers of abstraction in western art. This print would be a great addition to any collectors of Kadinsky's work or Modern Abstract Expressionism art...
Paper
Sold
H 29 in W 31 in D 27 in
Wassily Style Chair by Marcel Breuer-Knoll Studio- Black Leather/Chrome Armchair
By Marcel Breuer, Knoll, Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Toledo, OH
Wassily style chair by Marcel Breuer - Knoll Studio - Black leather/chrome sling armchair. The Wassily Chair, also known as the Mo...
Chrome
Wassily Kandinsky Framed Abstract Etching, circa 1960
By Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Wasily Kandinsky framed abstract etching. Made by the artist in Russia, circa 1960 Framed in Barcelona by a local artisan in natural fine...
Paper