Leaded glass composition I 1917

Theo van Doesburg made this leaded glass composition, measuring 100 by 66.5 cm, in the early 20th century. It’s a striking example of De Stijl, a Dutch artistic movement that sought a utopian ideal through complete abstraction. Van Doesburg aimed to create a universal visual language, stripping away subjective emotion for pure geometric forms and primary colors. Look at the grid structure, and how he uses the leading to create a dynamic interplay of shapes. What does it mean to revive the language of stained glass, traditionally associated with religious institutions, for such a radical, secular project? Van Doesburg was deeply engaged in the social and political debates of his time, and saw art as a tool for social transformation. His manifesto advocated for an art that was not simply decorative but integral to the construction of a new, modern world. To understand this work fully, we can consult archives of De Stijl publications and correspondence. Art history reveals how artists like Van Doesburg actively sought to redefine the role of art in society.