Devotion 1908

Piet Mondrian made Devotion with oil on canvas in the Netherlands. The turn of the century in Europe was a time of great social change, marked by the decline of traditional religious beliefs and the rise of scientific rationalism. This painting reflects the spiritual and esoteric interests that influenced many artists at the time. Mondrian was deeply involved in the Theosophical Society, which sought a universal brotherhood of humanity through spiritual understanding. The subject looks upwards, perhaps to the white flower, a Theosophical symbol of spiritual purity. Mondrian’s artistic development can be understood through the lens of these social and cultural shifts. We can trace how a commitment to abstraction and pure form grew from these early symbolist works. Historical sources such as Theosophical texts, exhibition reviews, and artists' letters can reveal the complex and sometimes contradictory influences that shaped his artistic vision. Studying art history is not just about appreciating the aesthetic qualities of art; it is also about understanding the social, cultural, and institutional forces that shaped its creation and reception.