Improvisation 12 (Horseman) Vasily Kandinsky (1866-1944)

The composition presents a dynamic and fragmented scene dominated by a figure on horseback. The artist has eschewed traditional representational techniques, opting instead for a highly expressive style characterized by bold color choices and distorted forms. Here we see a central equestrian subject, but its precise depiction is obscured through abstraction; the horse and rider are rendered as masses of interwoven shapes rather than anatomically accurate figures.
The palette is striking, featuring intense reds, blues, yellows, and greens applied in broad, sweeping strokes. These colors do not appear to be used descriptively, but instead contribute to a sense of emotional intensity and movement. The red hues, particularly prominent in the background and around the horse’s flanks, evoke feelings of energy or even agitation. The blue tones offer a contrasting coolness, while the yellows suggest a fleeting moment of illumination or hope.
The composition lacks a clear spatial depth; forms appear to overlap and merge, creating a flattened effect that emphasizes the two-dimensionality of the canvas. Diagonal lines are prevalent throughout, contributing to the overall sense of dynamism and instability. The artist has employed a loose brushstroke, which further enhances the feeling of spontaneity and improvisation.
Subtly embedded within this chaotic arrangement is a suggestion of narrative. While the scene defies easy interpretation, one can discern elements that hint at conflict or struggle. The rider’s posture appears tense, his form leaning forward as if urging the horse onward. The distorted shapes and jarring color combinations contribute to an atmosphere of unease and uncertainty.
The work seems less concerned with portraying a specific event than with conveying a feeling – a sense of urgency, perhaps, or the raw energy of motion. It is not a depiction of reality but rather an exploration of emotional states through visual language. The absence of detail encourages viewers to project their own interpretations onto the scene, making it a deeply personal and evocative experience.