Lozenge Composition with Yellow, Black, Blue, Red, and Gray

Lozenge Composition with Yellow, Black, Blue, Red, and Gray is a seminal oil on canvas painting created by the Dutch artist Piet Mondrian (1872–1944) in 1921. Executed during the height of the Modernism period, this work represents the mature expression of Mondrian's theoretical system, known as Neo-Plasticism, which sought to achieve universal beauty through the reduction of form to essential elements. Unlike his typical square or rectangular canvases, this particular piece utilizes a diamond, or lozenge, orientation, challenging traditional perspectives and enhancing the visual dynamism of the composition.

The composition adheres rigorously to the principles of essential geometry: thick, black horizontal and vertical lines divide the canvas into asymmetrical planes. While Mondrian famously limited himself to primary colors, this 1921 work features defined fields colored yellow, black, blue, and red, balanced against large swaths of white and subtle inclusions of gray. The strategic placement of these colored planes against the dominant ground emphasizes equilibrium and absolute harmony. By eliminating all references to the observable world, Mondrian aimed to establish a universal aesthetic language rooted solely in fundamental contrasts and relationships. The austere precision and the tilted format compel the viewer to confront the internal structure of the painting, divorced from any traditional external frame of reference.

As one of the earliest and most forceful examples of his diamond-format compositions, this painting is critical to understanding Mondrian’s progression toward complete abstraction. The austerity and balance achieved in the work profoundly influenced subsequent generations of architects, designers, and painters globally. The widespread appeal and geometric clarity of such groundbreaking works ensure that reproductions and high-quality prints remain highly sought after by students and collectors worldwide. Originating from the Netherlands cultural movement that redefined 20th-century painting, this significant Modernist masterpiece is housed within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.