Composition in Yellow, Blue, and White, I

"Composition in Yellow, Blue, and White, I" by Piet Mondrian is a seminal geometric abstraction executed in oil on canvas in 1937. This iconic work epitomizes the strict aesthetic principles of Neoplasticism, the theory Mondrian developed and championed within the Dutch De Stijl movement. The painting relies on a sparse vocabulary: black lines of varying thickness intersect at precise right angles, defining rectangular planes filled only with the three primary colors (yellow and blue) and the neutral white ground.

Created in 1937, this canvas demonstrates Mondrian’s continued search for universal harmony through radical reduction. He eliminated any reference to the natural world, focusing solely on the tension created by the intersection of horizontal and vertical forces and the dynamic balance achieved through asymmetric color distribution. In this particular composition, large areas of untouched white amplify the limited application of color, lending a sense of airy structure to the surface. The technique is characteristically impersonal; Mondrian applied the paint thinly and evenly, removing any visible brushstroke or expressive gesture, thus emphasizing the purity of the geometric form.

Mondrian's relentless pursuit of pure abstraction established him as a leading figure in modern art. His influence extended far beyond painting, shaping modern architecture, design, and graphic arts. The strict clarity evident in this piece reflects the high point of his stylistic development during his years in London and Paris. The painting, recognized globally as a masterwork of the era, is a vital component of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) collection. As with many works by this Dutch master, high-quality reproductions and prints of compositions from this period are widely available, underscoring the enduring appeal of Mondrian’s minimalist vision.