Composition (The Cow) 1917

Theo van Doesburg's "Composition (The Cow)" is a 1917 charcoal drawing that exemplifies the artist's exploration of abstraction in the Neoplasticism style. The work's minimalist composition, characterized by geometric shapes and a limited palette, reflects a reduction of reality to its essential elements, creating a sense of order and balance. Its starkness and use of dynamic angles create a sense of energy and movement, a signature of the avant-garde art of the early 20th century. While the title alludes to a cow, its abstraction is minimal, leaving the interpretation open to the viewer's own perception. This small yet powerful work is housed in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.