Piet Mondrian artwork

Mondrian's views on art ultimately resulted in an abstract form of painting that was unique to the artist. But before discovering his unique signature style, Mondrian underwent a dramatic stylistic development in his professional life. He began his artistic career with impressionist paintings, after which he moved towards symbolism and cubism. It was not until 1925 that Mondrian developed the abstract art for which he is world-famous. You know the works: the Piet Mondrian abstract paintings with red, yellow and blue and black borders. 

On 6 February 1916, Mondrian met artist-critic Theo van Doesburg. Van Doesburg asked Mondrian to contribute to an art magazine, which would be called De Stijl. The modern art Mondrian and others who joined De Stijl sought was radically new and intended to inspire a new modern society. Mondrian published several articles introducing a term for his work: neo-plasticism. With their unique style, Piet Mondrian artworks served as a great example for all the De Stijl artists. The Kröller-Müller Museum is one of the treasure troves of De Stijl, with Piet Mondrian famous artworks and masterpieces by Theo van Doesburg, Gerrit Rietveld and Bart van der Leck.

At the start of her ‘collecting career’, Helene initially purchased artworks that appealed to her personally. She was particularly fascinated by Van Gogh and collected a large number of works by the master. Helene's advisor H.P. Bremmer introduced her to the work of the then relatively unknown artist. He himself was already a great admirer. 

Later, Helene wanted to collect art for a larger audience. In her collection, intended ‘for the benefit and enjoyment of the community’, Helene's own preferences were no longer allowed to play a role. However, the collector could not completely disguise her taste. Work by Bauhaus, an avant-garde art school that was heavily influenced by avant-garde artists like Mondrian, was not purchased. But Bremmer, Helene’s personal advisor, made sure that avant-garde works were also acquired. On Bremmer’s advice, Helene purchased Tableau no. 1, a Piet Mondrian artwork.

The magazine De Stijl was founded by Theo van Doesburg in Leiden in 1917. Its members Mondrian and Van der Leck were seeking ways to achieve the greatest possible harmony and universality in art. According to the artists, this could only be achieved through the use of geometric shapes. The formal idiom was limited to rectangles, squares and lines. In terms of colours, we see the three primary colours red, yellow and blue recurring, complemented by white, grey and black. The strict geometry in the original Piet Mondrian art was adopted by many De Stijl artists. He was a tremendous source of inspiration. Geometry was used not only in painting, but also in architecture, fashion, furniture and advertising. A textbook example of this is Gerrit Rietveld's chair. In this way, the 'new art' also acquired a social purpose: that of modernizing society.

At the Kröller-Müller Museum, you can admire masterpieces of De Stijl, including Piet Mondrian famous paintings. Get an impression of the Mondrian collection via our online collection search feature.