Concerning the Spiritual in Art
by Wassily Kandinsky
Concerning the Spiritual in Art by Wassily Kandinsky holds a well received rating of 3.81 out of 5, based on 56.4K reader ratings. First published in 1912. The book spans 80 pages.
About Concerning the Spiritual in Art
A pioneering work in the movement to free art from its traditional bonds to material reality, this book is one of the most important documents in the history of modern art. Written by the famous nonobjective painter Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944), it explains Kandinsky's own theory of painting and crystallizes the ideas that were influencing many other modern artists of the period. Along with his own groundbreaking paintings, this book had a tremendous impact on the development of modern art.Kandinsky's ideas are presented in two parts. The first part, called "About General Aesthetic," issues a call for a spiritual revolution in painting that will let artists express their own inner lives in abstract, non-material terms. Just as musicians do not depend upon the material world for their music, so artists should not have to depend upon the material world for their art. In the second part, "About Painting," Kandinsky discusses the psychology of colors, the language of form and color, and the responsibilities of the artist. An Introduction by the translator, Michael T. H. Sadler, offers additional explanation of Kandinsky's art and theories, while a new Preface by Richard Stratton discusses Kandinsky's career as a whole and the impact of the book. Making the book even more valuable are nine woodcuts by Kandinsky himself that appear at the chapter headings.This English translation of Über das Geistige in der Kunst was a significant contribution to the understanding of nonobjectivism in art. It continues to be a stimulating and necessary reading experience for every artist, art student, and art patron concerned with the direction of 20th-century painting.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Wassily Kandinsky |
| Published | 1912 |
| Pages | 80 |
| Genres | Arts & Photography, Non-Fiction, Philosophy, Religion & Spirituality, Religion & Spirituality |
| Average Rating | 3.81 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 56,444 |
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What genre is Concerning the Spiritual in Art?
Concerning the Spiritual in Art is categorized as Arts & Photography, Non-Fiction, Philosophy, Religion & Spirituality. Its primary genre classification is Classics.
Is Concerning the Spiritual in Art worth reading?
Based on 56.4K reader ratings, Concerning the Spiritual in Art has an average score of 3.81 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received." Its large number of reviews suggests broad reader appeal.
How many pages is Concerning the Spiritual in Art?
Concerning the Spiritual in Art has 80 pages. It is a relatively quick read.
Who wrote Concerning the Spiritual in Art?
Concerning the Spiritual in Art was written by Wassily Kandinsky. It was first published in 1912.
What is the ISBN for Concerning the Spiritual in Art?
The ISBN-13 for Concerning the Spiritual in Art is 9780486234110.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
