Wall panel (for Edwin R. Campbell’s villa). 1914 105 Vasily Kandinsky (1866-1944)

The composition presents a vertical arrangement of forms rendered in a fluid, expressive style. A dominant figure, seemingly human or perhaps stylized, occupies the central space. It is delineated with bold black lines and surrounded by washes of color – primarily yellows, blues, greens, and touches of red and orange – that bleed into one another, creating an atmosphere of movement and emotional intensity.
The figure’s posture appears to be one of introspection or perhaps melancholy; its head is bowed, and the body leans forward slightly. The artist has employed a limited palette but uses it with considerable nuance, layering tones to suggest depth and volume despite the lack of traditional perspective. Brushstrokes are visible throughout, contributing to the overall sense of spontaneity and immediacy.
Above the central figure, fragmented shapes – suggesting foliage or architectural elements – are scattered across the upper portion of the panel. These forms appear less defined than the central figure, further emphasizing its prominence. The use of thin, linear strokes radiating outward from these upper shapes creates a visual dynamism that draws the eye upward and adds to the painting’s overall sense of energy.
The work seems to eschew representational accuracy in favor of conveying an emotional state or psychological condition. It is not a depiction of a specific scene but rather an exploration of form, color, and line as vehicles for expressing feeling. The lack of clear spatial relationships and the distortion of recognizable forms suggest a focus on inner experience over external reality. The panel’s intended function – as decoration within a private villa – hints at a desire to introduce a sense of artistic sophistication and emotional depth into the domestic sphere.