Sketch for the cover of the Blue Rider almanac, final version Vasily Kandinsky (1866-1944)

The composition presents a stylized equestrian figure dominating the central space. The rider and horse are rendered in a simplified, almost block-like manner, utilizing a limited palette primarily consisting of dark blue/grey tones contrasted against a background that appears to be a muted ochre or beige. There is an absence of detailed rendering; instead, forms are suggested through broad strokes and areas of flat color.
The rider’s posture conveys a sense of forward momentum, though the lack of perspective flattens this impression somewhat. The horses anatomy is similarly abstracted, with its head tilted in what could be interpreted as either alertness or distress. A small, indistinct figure appears at the lower right corner, seemingly observing the scene from a distance; it’s difficult to discern if this figure is meant to represent a viewer or another participant within the narrative.
Vertically oriented text occupies a significant portion of the left side of the image. The lettering itself is bold and somewhat irregular, contributing to the overall feeling of expressive freedom. Below the imagery, smaller text identifies a publishing house.
The work’s subtexts likely revolve around themes of movement, vision, and perhaps even spiritual questing – given the association with the almanacs title. The simplified forms and limited color range suggest an attempt to distill essential qualities rather than represent reality faithfully. The inclusion of the distant figure introduces a layer of narrative ambiguity; it invites speculation about the relationship between observer and observed, or the nature of witnessing itself. The overall effect is one of symbolic representation over literal depiction, characteristic of Expressionist aesthetics.