Poster for the 1st Exhibition of the "Phalanx" (Plakat für die erste Ausstellung der "Phalanx") is a seminal lithograph created by Vasily Kandinsky in 1901. This highly stylized print, reflecting the decorative aesthetics of the French Art Nouveau and German Jugendstil movements, served as the primary advertisement for the newly formed "Phalanx" artists' association in Munich.
Kandinsky founded the group to challenge conservative exhibition standards and introduce radical European modernism to the Bavarian capital. This poster, executed skillfully in the medium of lithography, allowed the artist to utilize broad fields of saturated color and strong outlines, giving the image the graphic impact necessary for public display. The design employs a striking central motif, often interpreted as a mounted rider or possibly a mythological figure, rendered in simplified, dynamic forms typical of the period (1901).
The work is crucial for understanding Kandinsky’s transition from illustrative graphic arts to abstract painting. While it retains clear figural elements, the emphasis is placed heavily on decorative pattern and the expressive power of color over naturalistic representation. This piece demonstrates Kandinsky's early engagement with printmaking, an accessible medium that facilitated the dissemination of modern artistic ideas and provided him with crucial experience in composition and color theory during his formative years.
This influential print, reflecting the early 20th-century aesthetic and the artist's foundational step toward abstraction, is maintained in the esteemed collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Prints of this early work, dating precisely to the year (1901), mark a significant turning point in the career of the Russian master, securing its lasting importance in graphic design history. As a key work of the period, this lithograph frequently appears in public domain collections globally, underscoring its historical significance.
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.