Plate (folio 25) from 23 Gravures

Plate (folio 25) from 23 Gravures by Vasily Kandinsky is a crucial component of an important illustrated book project created during the artist's pivotal French period. Executed in 1934 and published the following year, this work showcases the abstract master's continued exploration of line and dynamic form through printmaking. The specific technique employed here is drypoint, a delicate intaglio process characterized by the direct scratching of the plate surface, resulting in soft, rich burrs that characterize the plate’s precise graphic structure.

The overall publication, 23 Gravures, was a major undertaking that compiled twenty-three unique original prints. Kandinsky utilized an exceptionally varied range of print techniques across the volume, including twelve etchings, five drypoints, three engravings, two lithographs, and a woodcut. This particular plate, Plate (folio 25) from 23 Gravures, is representative of Kandinsky’s commitment to technical experimentation, a hallmark of his artistic practice even as he settled in France following the closure of the Bauhaus.

The period spanning 1934, published 1935, marks a significant moment in Kandinsky’s late career, where his non-objective abstraction evolved toward increasingly biomorphic and geometric shapes. This shift is clearly evident in the controlled, complex composition of this drypoint print, reflecting the artist’s mastery of graphic design. This work, firmly classified as an illustrated book component, provides valuable insight into the French artistic scene and Kandinsky’s late style. It is preserved within the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), ensuring its continued study and accessibility alongside other master prints from the early 20th century.