Medium and Technique

Gewebe is executed in watercolor and India ink on slightly structured paper. The dimensions of the work are 36.4 x 25.2 cm (14.3 x 9.9 in).

Style and Composition

The artwork is characterized by its strictly geometric compositions, which were typical of Kandinsky's work during the 1920s. It features clear color fields broken up and extended by a soft modulation of the watercolor along the lines in India ink. The composition avoids sharp optical confrontations, creating an overall effect that is somewhat enigmatic despite its apparent rationality.

Provenance

Gewebe was acquired by Richard Doetsch-Benziger for the Kandinsky Gesellschaft in 1930. It was later sold at an auction by Sotheby's in London in 1974 and subsequently owned by Roman Norbert Ketterer in Stuttgart in 1975.

Exhibitions

The artwork has been exhibited in several notable shows, including 'Das staatliche Bauhaus Weimar 1919-1923' at the Staatliches Bauhaus Weimar and Landesmuseum in 1923, and 'Wassily Kandinsky, Retrospektive' at the Hallischer Kunstverein and Städtisches Museum Moritzburg in 1929.

Value

The estimated value of Gewebe is significant, with estimates ranging from €200,000 to €1,320,000 (approximately $220,000 to $1,452,000), reflecting its importance in Kandinsky's oeuvre and its condition, which is described as unusually fresh and well-preserved.

Historical Context

During the 1920s, Kandinsky was teaching at the Bauhaus in Weimar, Germany, a period marked by his exploration of geometric forms and abstract compositions. Gewebe is a representative work from this period, showcasing his innovative approach to abstract art.