A development from figuration to abstraction can be seen in the work of Wassily Kandinsky after 1910. He attempted to translate inner, human emotions into form and colour. Shapes, lines and colours increasingly take the place of people, animals and objects. This drawing from 1911/12, which is also known by the title of The Ascension of Elijah, dates from that period of transition. The apparently abstract forms and colours still represent objects from reality. The blue, wavy shape on the bottom left may be interpreted as the water of the River Jordan, retreating on either side to allow the prophet Elijah to pass. Top right, Elijah is taken to heaven in a chariot drawn by three horses. Kandinsky frequently worked with religious themes in the period from 1910 to 1914.

Makers

Translated title

Watercolour No. 2

Collection

Drawings

Production date

1911-1912

Library

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Dimensions

31.6 x 47.6cm.

Material

traces of pencil, watercolour and gouache on paper

Object number

A 4029

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