Provenance
The artist; acquired by Carl O. Schniewind (1900-1957), Chicago; by descent to his wife, Hedwig B. Schniewind (died 1963); bequeathed to the Art Institute of Chicago, July 25, 1963.
Accession Number
18830
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
41 × 27.3 cm (16 1/8 × 10 3/4 in.)
Classification
Painting
Credit Line
Bequest from the estate of Hedwig B. Schniewind
Background & Context
Background Story
Le Corbusier's Abstract Composition (1927) is an oil on canvas by the visionary architect and painter. Le Corbusier was a dedicated painter throughout his life. His Purist paintings sought a new form of classicism. This abstract composition from 1927 shows the evolution beyond Purism toward a more purely abstract language of forms, featuring geometric shapes and interacting planes.
Cultural Impact
Le Corbusier's paintings were integral to his development as an architect, exploring formal principles that would define his buildings.
Why It Matters
This abstract composition shows Le Corbusier's exploration of pure form and color, reflecting his architectural vision.
