Red Gladioli c. 1906

Piet Mondrian painted ‘Red Gladioli’ with oil on canvas. In the Netherlands, around the turn of the 20th century, the art world was experiencing a shift. Artists began to move away from traditional, representational styles. Mondrian, initially trained in this academic tradition, eventually became a pioneer of abstract art. Here, the vibrant red of the gladioli contrasts against a muted background. The brushstrokes are visible. The forms suggest a tension between the observed and the imagined. Mondrian moved from the naturalistic depiction towards abstraction, a move that was influenced by his spiritual beliefs and his engagement with the intellectual climate of the time. By examining his personal correspondence, contemporary art criticism, and the records of exhibitions, we can better understand the social and intellectual networks that shaped his artistic choices. This painting captures a pivotal moment in the history of art, reflecting changing ideas about representation and the artist's role in society.