The artwork titled “Arithmetic Composition” was created by Theo van Doesburg in 1929 in Germany. It is an abstract composition aligned with the Constructivism art movement. Constructed primarily of geometric forms, the artwork is representative of the era’s experimental approach to abstraction and form.
In “Arithmetic Composition,” one observes a meticulous arrangement of squares in various sizes, placed on a gridded background. The squares, all of which are dark and vary in size, are positioned in a diagonal alignment across the canvas. The grids provide an additional layer of structure, contributing to the overall geometric precision of the piece. The largest square dominates the foreground while the subsequent squares decrease in size, trailing off toward the upper left corner. The interplay of size and spatial organization underscores the arithmetic theme suggested by the title, embodying the Constructivist reverence for order and mathematical relationships within art.
