Murnau – View from the window of the Griesbräu (1908)
Created in 1908, 'View from the Window of the Griesbrau' represents a significant evolution in Wassily Kandinsky's style during his time in Murnau. Using oil on cardboard, the painting dimensions are 19.7 x 27.6 inches (50.0 x 70.0 cm) and demonstrates Kandinsky's transition from impressionism to a more expressive and abstract use of color. The piece reflects his vibrant experiences at the Griesbräu Inn alongside contemporaries like Gabriele Münter and highlights the formative influence of Finnish landscape and Fauvism on his work.
Year 1908
About the Artwork
The story behind 'View from the Window of the Griesbrau' is rooted in the artistic evolution of Wassily Kandinsky during a transformative time spent in the picturesque Bavarian town of Murnau. Here, away from the cacophony of city life, Kandinsky found inspiration in the tranquil landscapes and vibrant colors that surrounded him. Alongside his partner, Gabriele Münter, and fellow artists, he shared many moments at the Griesbräu Inn, which became a creative sanctuary. This painting encapsulates not just a scene he observed but also the burgeoning ideas in his mind about color theory and abstraction that were to influence the direction of modern art.
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Did You Know
This painting exemplifies Kandinsky’s shift from impressionism towards abstraction, marking his pivotal journey towards creating a unique visual language.
The peaceful and picturesque surroundings of Murnau offered Kandinsky both solitude and inspiration, prompting significant artistic discoveries during his stay.
The Griesbräu Inn was not just a site for artistic reflection but also a social hub where Kandinsky and his contemporaries exchanged ideas that shaped modern art.
