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Improvisation 27 (Garden of Love II)

Vasily Kandinsky French, born Russia
1912
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 908
In his influential treatise Concerning the Spiritual in Art, Kandinsky theorized a new form of artistic expression that would reject the materialist world in favor of emotional and spiritual ideals. Abstract forms and color symbolism would be used to evoke an inner, preconscious realm. Improvisation 27, composed of dark lines and colorful abstract masses, features three iterations of an embracing couple surrounded by serpentine forms. Kandinsky hints at the painting’s possible subject in the subtitle, Garden of Love II, likely a reference to biblical Eden.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Improvisation 27 (Garden of Love II)
  • Artist: Vasily Kandinsky (French (born Russia), Moscow 1866–1944 Neuilly-sur-Seine)
  • Date: 1912
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 47 3/8 × 55 1/4 in. (120.3 × 140.3 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Alfred Stieglitz Collection, 1949
  • Object Number: 49.70.1
  • Curatorial Department: Modern and Contemporary Art

Audio

Cover Image for 2004. Improvisation 27 (Garden of Love II)

2004. Improvisation 27 (Garden of Love II)

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More Artwork

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Kleine Welten I (Small Worlds I), Vasily Kandinsky French, born Russia, Lithograph printed in blue, red, yellow and black
Kleine Welten I (Small Worlds I)
Vasily Kandinsky
1922
Kleine Welten XI (Small Worlds XI), Vasily Kandinsky French, born Russia, Drypoint
Kleine Welten XI (Small Worlds XI)
Vasily Kandinsky
1922
Kleine Welten II (Small Worlds II), Vasily Kandinsky French, born Russia, Lithograph printed in black, red, blue, yellow
Kleine Welten II (Small Worlds II)
Vasily Kandinsky
1922
Kleine Welten VI (Small Worlds VI), Vasily Kandinsky French, born Russia, Woodcut
Kleine Welten VI (Small Worlds VI)
Vasily Kandinsky
1922
Kleine Welten IX (Small Worlds IX), Vasily Kandinsky French, born Russia, Drypoint
Kleine Welten IX (Small Worlds IX)
Vasily Kandinsky
1922

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