
Fugue
1914
Oil on canvas
51 × 51" (129.5 × 129.5 cm)
Basel. Beyeler Foundation
As you know, fugue is a musical form and compositional technique of polyphony. It is based on the sequential repetition or imitation of the main theme in different melodically independent voices. This painting is probably an attempt by Kandinsky to create a visual equivalent of the polyphonic form. Individual shapes and colors overlap, appearing in one place of the canvas to respond with variations in another. A single plastic idea "runs" from one place to another, just as a musical theme in a fugue moves from voice to voice. The color accents resonate with each other. Kandinsky goes further - he imitates the very nature of the plastic gesture. Energetic. An explosive motif in one place finds a response in another similar motif. Smooth and fluid — rhymes with the like. The result is a complex but harmonious visual polyphony.
The painting sold at Sotheby's in 1990 for $20.9 million.
The painting sold at Sotheby's in 1990 for $20.9 million.


Painting with Three Spots
Improvisation. Gorge
Wall Panel No. 1
Wall Panel № 2
Wall Panel No. 3
Wall Panel No. 4
Improvisation
Improvisation 35
Improvisation of Cold Forms
Wall Panel No. 3
Untitled Improvisation III
Untitled Improvisation
Little Painting with Yellow
Untitled Improvisation V
