Sky Blue (Bleu de Ciel)
Reproduction print; the original is an oil on canvas painting • Wassily Kandinsky
Style & Movement
Biomorphic Abstraction / Late Abstract Surrealism
Medium & Technique
Mechanical offset lithography on paper (calendar reproduction); original is oil on canvas with thin applications and geometric precision
Creation Period
Original created in 1940; reproduction is contemporary (21st century)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 12 inches (calendar size); Square format
Subject Description
A dark, void-like background populated by colorful, floating geometric and biomorphic shapes resembling microorganisms, hot air balloons, or celestial bodies. The composition utilizes balance and rhythm to evoke a sense of weightlessness and cosmic harmony typical of Kandinsky's Parisian period.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair/Poor (as a collectible); the item is a page from a calendar with visible surface wear, scratches, and light reflection from the camera flash.
Estimated Market Value
$0 - $5 (nominal value as a used calendar page)
Auction Estimate
N/A (Not an auctionable fine art asset)
Provenance History
Mass-produced commercial calendar; original painting is held in the collection of the Musée National d'Art Moderne, Centre Pompidou, Paris.
Art Historical Significance
The original 1940 painting represents Kandinsky's final stylistic phase in Paris, characterized by 'biomorphic' forms influenced by biology and zoology, reflecting a move away from the rigid geometry of his Bauhaus years toward a more playful, organic abstraction.
Notable Features
Features a dark charcoal/black background which provides a stark contrast to the pastel and primary-colored shapes, a hallmark of this specific composition.
Condition Issues
Surface scuffing, fingerprints, creases at the edges, and significant glare from the light source during photography. Being paper, it is prone to acid-induced yellowing over time.
Conservation Recommendations
As this is a calendar page, conservation is not economically viable. For display, use a UV-protective plastic sleeve to prevent further fading of the print inks.
Collector Notes
From a calendar