In Grey, 1919 by Wassily Kandinsky

In Grey is one of the only small number of largeformat, carefully-studied works dating from Kandinsky's Russian period. It presents a dense complex of abstract forms in muted, cool shades of grey, brown and blue. The pencil sketch reveals that Kandinsky originally started from more pronouncedly organic motifs, including a sun and a boat with oarsmen. In the final oil painting, however, these are transformed into free constellations of colour and form.

In Grey marks the end of my 'dramatic' period. " - Wassily Kandinsky