Theo van Doesburg, born Christian Emil Marie Küpper in 1883, was a Dutch painter, writer, poet, and architect. He trained in acting and singing for a brief period before becoming a storekeeper. He regarded his stepfather, Theodorus Doesburg, to be his real father which prompted the artist to sign his works as Theo van Doesburg.
Van Doesburg’s first exhibition was in 1908, and from 1912 he was supporting his painting by writing for various magazines. His work was greatly influenced by Vincent van Gogh with the literal representations in his work.
This changed dramatically in 1913 after he read Wassily Kandinsky’s autobiography. This triggered an epiphany for the artist where he realized that painting has its origins inside the mind. He began to explore the connection between spirituality and art and studied Theosophy to better understand his ideas about artistic harmony.
This led to van Doesburg expressing himself more personally in his work which pushed him towards abstract art. By 1915 the influence that Kandinsky had on his art began to fall away, and it was eventually replaced by a big influence from Piet Mondrian. Van Doesburg saw a complete abstraction of reality in these paintings, and that became his pursuit.
He was one of the founders and the de facto leader of the De Stijl movement, the Dutch take on abstract art that was sweeping Europe at the time. He was one of the most vocal members of the group, editing and publishing the magazine of the same name as he advocated for the movement across Europe.
Van Doesburg believed that art, architecture, and design should be fully integrated and that it should be a physical experience in space rather than purely a visual one. Van Doesburg remained active in art and magazines until he died in Switzerland in 1931.
1. Two Dogs
‘Two dogs’ was created in 1899 by Theo van Doesburg in Post-Impressionism style.
2. Portrait of Christian Leibbrandt
‘Portrait of Christian Leibbrandt’ was created in 1906 by Theo van Doesburg in Post-Impressionism style.
3. A Child
‘A Child’ was created in 1904 by Theo van Doesburg in Expressionism style.
4. Still Life
Still life’ was created in 1906 by Theo van Doesburg in Post-Impressionism style.
5. Abraham Kuyper
‘Abraham Kuyper’ was created in 1910 by Theo van Doesburg in Expressionism style.
6. Alderman of Education
‘Alderman of education’ was created in 1910 by Theo van Doesburg in Expressionism style.
7. Burgerman
‘Burgerman’ was created in 1910 by Theo van Doesburg in Expressionism style.
8. Archangel
‘Archangel’ was created in 1910 by Theo van Doesburg in Expressionism style.