Famous Paintings in the Centre Pompidou: the Originals

1. Yellow, Red, Blue by Wassily Kandinsky, 1925
2. Blue Nude III by Henri Matisse, 1952
3. Portrait of the Journalist Sylvia Von Harden by Otto Dix, 1926
4. The City of Paris by Robert Delaunay, 1912
5. On White II by Wassily Kandinsky, 1923
6. Self Portrait - the Frame by Frida Kahlo, 1938
7. Composition IX by Wassily Kandinsky, 1936
8. Black Cross by Kazimir Malevich, 1915

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   1

   Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944)

   1. Yellow, Red, Blue by Wassily Kandinsky, 1925

   Centre Pompidou, Paris1925Oil on canvas127 × 200 cm

   This dynamic composition captures the essence of modernism through its bold use of color, geometric shapes, and expressive lines. Kandinsky's "Yellow, Red, Blue" is a prime example of abstract expressionism, a movement that emphasizes spontaneity, emotion, and the subconscious. While "Yellow, Red, Blue" is purely abstract, it carries deep symbolic meaning.

   The originalOriginals by Wassily Kandinsky

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   2

   Henri Matisse (1869–1954)

   2. Blue Nude III by Henri Matisse, 1952

   Centre Pompidou, Paris1952Cut-paper collage on paper112 × 73 cm

   This piece exemplifies Matisse's mastery of abstract art, showcasing his ability to convey the essence of the human figure through simplified shapes and bold lines. The artwork depicts a seated figure in a relaxed, contemplative pose, with legs crossed and arms resting on the knees. Created in 1952, Blue Nude III is part of Matisse's late period, when he was exploring new techniques and styles. The simplicity and abstraction of the form in Blue Nude III symbolize universal themes such as introspection, solitude, and the essence of humanity stripped down to its most basic elements.

   The originalOriginals by Henri Matisse

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   3

   Otto Dix (1891–1969)

   3. Portrait of the Journalist Sylvia Von Harden by Otto Dix, 1926

   Centre Pompidou, Paris1926Oil and tempera on wood panel89 × 121 cm

   Dix was a key figure in the Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity) movement, which emerged in Germany during the 1920s as a reaction against Expressionism. "Portrait of the Journalist Sylvia Von Harden" exemplifies this approach, showcasing Dix's ability to capture the psychological depth and social context of his subjects. The portrait is rich with symbolism, reflecting the social and cultural changes of the Weimar Republic. The painting's emotional impact lies in its ability to convey both the strength and vulnerability of von Harden, making it a powerful statement about the human condition.

   The originalOriginals by Otto Dix

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   4

   Robert Delaunay (1885–1941)

   4. The City of Paris by Robert Delaunay, 1912

   Centre Pompidou, Paris1912Oil on canvas267 × 406 cm

   This painting is deeply rooted in the principles of Orphism, an abstract art movement co-founded by Delaunay himself. The influence of both Cubism (in the fracturing of forms) and Futurism (in the depiction of speed and dynamism) is readily apparent.

   The originalOriginals by Robert Delaunay

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   5

   Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944)

   5. On White II by Wassily Kandinsky, 1923

   Centre Pompidou, Paris1923Oil on canvas105 × 98 cm

   Created during Kandinsky’s influential tenure at the Bauhaus school in Weimar, Germany, this painting exemplifies his shift towards a more geometric style. This period saw Kandinsky deeply influenced by Suprematism – particularly the work of Kazimir Malevich – evident in the bold shapes and emphasis on fundamental geometric elements. The recurring motif of lance-like shapes, reminiscent of St. George’s spear, alludes to themes of courage and triumph, a nod to his Russian heritage.

   The originalOriginals by Wassily Kandinsky

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   6

   Frida Kahlo (1907–1954)

   6. Self Portrait - the Frame by Frida Kahlo, 1938

   Centre Pompidou, Paris1938Glass painting29 × 21 cm

   In this arresting work, Kahlo presents herself against a stark, minimalist background, yet her presence is anything but simple. This unique combination of industrial substrate and delicate technique results in a work that feels both grounded in reality and suspended in a state of myth.

   The originalOriginals by Frida Kahlo

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   7

   Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944)

   7. Composition IX by Wassily Kandinsky, 1936

   Centre Pompidou, Paris1936Oil on canvas113 × 195 cm

   Kandinsky's Composition IX is a riot of color and form, featuring a bold palette of yellows, reds, blues, greens, and purples. The artwork is divided into several distinct sections, each filled with a variety of abstract shapes and lines that create a sense of depth and complexity.

   The originalOriginals by Wassily Kandinsky

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   8

   Kazimir Malevich (1879–1935)

   8. Black Cross by Kazimir Malevich, 1915

   Centre Pompidou, Paris1915Oil on canvas80 × 80 cm

   A single black cross rests upon a field of aged, off-white parchment. The shape is a Greek cross, its four arms extending with equal weight from a central intersection. There is no depth here, only the flat collision of dark pigment and light ground. Two rectangular bars, one vertical and one horizontal, lock into a heavy, symmetrical presence.

   The originalOriginals by Kazimir Malevich

The Centre Pompidou (Beaubourg, Centre Georges Pompidou, Centre Pompidou-Metz) — cultural complex — in Paris, France. Its highlights: Musée National d’Art Moderne, Public information library, IRCAM music research centre. Our catalogue lists 372 of its paintings and works on paper, by 60 artists, dated 1885 to 2008.