Great Resurrection (Grosse Auferstehung) (plate, folio 52) from Klänge (Sounds)

The striking image, Great Resurrection (Grosse Auferstehung) (plate, folio 52) from Klänge (Sounds), was created by Vasily Kandinsky in 1913. This specific work is one of fifty-six original woodcuts included in the artist's seminal illustrated book, which was published in Munich that year. Kandinsky viewed the printed page as an essential vehicle for conveying his revolutionary theories on abstraction, color, and spiritual expression, making the illustrated book classification central to his output during this highly experimental period.

As a master of graphic arts, Kandinsky utilized the woodcut medium to maximize stark contrast. Unlike his contemporaneous, vibrant oil canvases, this piece relies solely on the intense interplay of black ink and negative white space, creating a dynamic tension essential to the dramatic subject matter. The expressive composition is marked by jagged, radiating forms and clustered masses, suggesting a powerful, almost cataclysmic release of energy inherent in the concept of resurrection or rebirth. This focus on abstract energy aligns with the artist’s belief in the purifying power of spiritual renewal.

The publication of Klänge solidified Kandinsky's position as a leading figure in early abstraction, and its widespread dissemination across Europe established its significant influence, particularly within German Expressionist and French avant-garde movements. The original plate demonstrates the revolutionary approach to prints that defined the art of the (1913) period. This important historical object resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, underscoring its status as a foundational text in 20th-century modernist art. Given its age and influence, high-resolution copies of this powerful image are frequently found in the public domain for study and appreciation.