Rigide et Courbe (Rigid and Curved)
Print (Lithograph or High-Quality Post-War Reproduction) on heavy paper • Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944)
Style & Movement
Abstract Art / Biomorphic Abstraction (Parisian Period)
Medium & Technique
Color lithography or offset printing. The original 1935 work utilized oil and sand on canvas; this version replicates the flat color planes and geometric precision characteristic of the artist's late style.
Creation Period
Modern (Late 20th Century reproduction of a 1935 original)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 50cm x 75cm (excluding frame); Landscape orientation
Subject Description
A complex arrangement of geometric and biomorphic shapes including circles, crescents, and triangles set against a vibrant red and orange wash background. The composition features a dominant dark, crescent-like 'boat' form on the right and a vertical balancing structure on the left, reflecting the artist's interest in the synthesis of form and color.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. Colors appear vibrant, though there is a noticeable reflection from the glazing suggesting a standard glass front. Minimal signs of fading or paper oxidation visible in the photograph.
Estimated Market Value
$150 – $400 (as a high-quality decorative reproduction/print)
Auction Estimate
$100 – $300
Provenance History
Unknown; likely purchased as a boutique gallery print or museum edition. No visible stamps or hand-signed numbering present in the image area.
Art Historical Significance
The original 1935 painting is a significant work from Kandinsky's later years in Paris, where he moved away from the strict geometry of the Bauhaus toward more organic, biomorphic shapes, influenced by biological illustrations and Surrealism.
Notable Features
The piece captures the 'Great Red' background of the original, utilizing the contrast between 'rigid' geometric lines and 'curved' biomorphic forms that define the title's concept.
Condition Issues
Possible minor paper undulation under the mount; environmental glare from display glass. No visible foxing or tearing.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure use of UV-filtering glass and acid-free archival matting. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the red pigment from fading, which is highly light-sensitive.