Panel for Edwin R. Campbell No. 4 is a pivotal oil on canvas painting created by Vasily Kandinsky in 1914. This large-scale piece is one of four abstract panels commissioned by the wealthy American art collector Edwin R. Campbell, intended to decorate the walls of his Park Avenue apartment in New York. The year 1914 marks the threshold of World War I, a period of profound cultural and societal upheaval that deeply influenced the artist's movement toward pure abstraction.
Kandinsky, a founding figure of abstraction and a pioneer in theoretical writing on non-objective art, utilizes dense, complex layering of color and line in this work. Unlike his earlier, more lyrical compositions, Panel for Edwin R. Campbell No. 4 exhibits an increased tension and dynamic energy, characterized by its reliance on angular black forms juxtaposed against broad swaths of vibrant primary colors—blue, yellow, and red. The technique, rich in dynamic contrasts, reflects the visual intensity Kandinsky sought to achieve, bridging music and painting through visual dissonance and harmony.
Although the artist was Russian and primarily associated with German Expressionism through the Der Blaue Reiter group, this period saw his work deeply engaging with the progressive movements evolving within the broader French artistic milieu, particularly as his influence expanded internationally through collecting circles. The intense structure and non-objective geometry seen here foreshadow the artist’s later explorations during his time with the Bauhaus.
The complete cycle, known collectively as the Campbell Panels, represents a high point in Kandinsky’s early abstract career before his return to Russia. This canvas, created in 1914, demonstrates the radical visual language that defined the early twentieth century. The painting is now a central holding of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York, solidifying its enduring importance in the history of Modernism. High-quality prints and references to this foundational work of French-associated abstraction remain vital resources for researchers and enthusiasts worldwide.
Important: ArtBee makes no warranties about the copyright status of this artwork. To the best of our knowledge, based on information from the source museum, we believe this work is in the public domain.
You are responsible for determining the rights status and securing any permissions needed for your use. Copyright status may vary by jurisdiction. See our License & Usage page and Terms of Service for details.