The artwork titled “Study for Rhythm of a Russian Dance” was created by Theo van Doesburg around the year 1918. This piece, belonging to the Neoplasticism art movement, is a sketch and study measuring 13.5 by 10.5 centimeters. Currently housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, US, the work exemplifies van Doesburg’s exploration within the movement.
The artwork features a dynamic composition that suggests the fluidity and rhythm of dance. Rendered with bold, linear strokes, it captures an abstract figure in motion, characterized by geometric forms and a sense of rhythmic movement. The sketch employs a minimalistic style, emphasizing the structural elements of the figure and their interaction with space, true to the principles of Neoplasticism. The use of diagonal lines adds to the dynamism and the overall impression of movement and energy inherent in a dance.
