Title page (Flame) from Xylographs (Xylographies)

The Title page (Flame) from Xylographs (Xylographies) by Vasily Kandinsky is an essential, early graphic work dating from the artist’s formative period. Created initially as a woodcut in 1907, this impression is one of a portfolio of eight heliogravures published in 1909 under the title Xylographies. This rare French publication marks a crucial moment in Kandinsky’s transition toward modern abstraction, utilizing the expressive power of line and stark contrast inherent in the print medium.

The technique employed here involves heliogravure, a sophisticated photomechanical process that allowed for the high-fidelity reproduction of the detailed lines and textures of Kandinsky’s original woodcut matrices. The imagery on the title page itself is highly dynamic, featuring a centralized, upward-striving composition frequently interpreted as a consuming flame or an energetic organic motif. Kandinsky utilizes heavy, simplified contours derived from contemporary Jugendstil and Symbolist aesthetics, yet the emotional force and flattening of space foreshadow the artist’s imminent breakthroughs into pure non-objectivity.

The portfolio, produced during a time when Kandinsky was actively engaged with developments in Munich and exploring cultural links across Europe, demonstrates his commitment to graphic arts as an independent form of expression. The contrast between heavy black ink and the surrounding white space emphasizes the powerful, psychological impact of the abstract form. Composed in 1907 and formally published in 1909, these early prints are foundational works for understanding the trajectory of abstraction in the early 20th century. This important piece remains a key component of the esteemed collection of prints and illustrated books held by the Museum of Modern Art.