Albert Gleizes, Composition, 1921

"Composition" is a painting created by Albert Gleizes in 1921. It is an important work from his mature period, in which he continued to explore the principles of Cubism while incorporating new elements of abstraction and expressionism.

The painting is characterized by a geometric composition, with overlapping shapes and angles creating a sense of movement and dynamism. Gleizes has used a limited color palette, with blues, greens, and yellows dominating the canvas. The shapes themselves are stylized and abstract, with some resembling architectural elements while others seem to suggest organic forms.

Gleizes' use of color and form in "Composition" is meant to convey a sense of harmony and balance, even as the painting's structure appears fragmented and disordered. The viewer is invited to engage with the painting on multiple levels, contemplating its visual language and its relationship to the wider artistic tradition of the early 20th century.

Overall, "Composition" is a significant work in the oeuvre of Albert Gleizes, demonstrating his continued experimentation with the principles of Cubism and his engagement with the wider intellectual and cultural currents of his time.

Albert Gleizes (1881-1953) was a French artist and writer who played a key role in the development of Cubism, an important avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century. Along with fellow artist Jean Metzinger, Gleizes co-authored the book "Du Cubisme," which was published in 1912 and became a key text in the history of the movement.

Gleizes was born in Paris and studied art at the Académie Julian and the École des Beaux-Arts. He was deeply influenced by the work of Paul Cézanne, and his early paintings were characterized by a flat, geometric style that anticipated the development of Cubism. In the years leading up to World War I, Gleizes became a leading figure in the Parisian avant-garde, exhibiting his work alongside other important artists such as Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, and Francis Picabia.

During World War I, Gleizes served in the French army and was wounded in combat. After the war, he continued to explore new styles and techniques, including the use of bold colors and simplified forms. In addition to his work as a painter, Gleizes was also an important art critic and theorist, publishing several influential essays on the role of art in modern society.

Today, Gleizes is recognized as one of the most important artists of the Cubist movement, and his work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries around the world. His legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary artists working today.