The artwork, titled “Composition (The Cow)” by Theo van Doesburg, created circa 1917, is a prime example of Cubism. Executed in pencil on paper, the piece measures 11.7 cm by 15.9 cm and is categorized under the genre of sketch and study. It is currently housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, USA.
The artwork presents a minimalist and abstract depiction, adhering to the Cubist movement, with subtle lines and geometric shapes that suggest the form of a cow. Delicate pencil strokes and the absence of color underscore the simplicity and abstraction synonymous with Doesburg’s style. The composition reveals the artist’s exploration of breaking down forms into basic, geometric components, rendering the cow into a nearly unrecognizable yet intellectually engaging array of lines and rectangles.
