Variation Sonnenaufgang 1918 by Alexej Von Jawlensky
Variation Sonnenaufgang
The Radiant Geometry of Jawlensky’s 1918 Sunrise
Among the boldest works of Alexej von Jawlensky’s later career, Variation Sonnenaufgang (1918) distills the essence of sunrise into a composition of pure chromatic force. Created during a period when the artist was refining his “Variations” series—abstracted responses to landscape and light—this painting abandons literal representation in favor of a structured harmony of color blocks. The title itself, translating to “Sunrise Variation,” signals Jawlensky’s departure from the figurative traditions of his earlier Fauve-inspired works toward a more meditative, almost architectural use of form.
The year 1918 marked a turning point for European art, as the devastation of World War I prompted many artists to seek solace in abstraction. Jawlensky, then living in Switzerland, responded by reducing nature to its emotional core. Here, the rising sun is not depicted but felt through the interplay of warm oranges, deep blues, and the stark black outlines that contain them. As the Tate notes, his late works “strip away detail to reveal the spiritual undercurrents of color,” a principle fully realized in this composition’s balance of intensity and restraint.
Jawlensky’s Path to Pure Abstraction
By 1918, Alexej von Jawlensky had traversed multiple artistic movements, from the vibrant hues of Fauvism to the fragmented forms of German Expressionism. His relocation to Switzerland during World War I isolated him from the avant-garde circles of Munich and Paris, yet this solitude catalyzed a profound simplification of his style. The “Variations” series, to which Sonnenaufgang belongs, emerged from his belief that art should transcend the material world, offering viewers a direct encounter with the divine through color.
This period also reflected Jawlensky’s engagement with Eastern philosophy, particularly the concept of moksha (liberation) in Hindu thought. His use of repetitive, almost ritualistic forms—seen in the concentric rectangles and radiating lines of this work—suggests a search for universal patterns beneath visible reality. Unlike the chaotic energy of his earlier portraits, Variation Sonnenaufgang achieves a quiet monumentality, its symmetry inviting contemplation rather than emotional turbulence.
Jawlensky’s 1918 sunrise is not a depiction of light but a construction of it—each color block functions as a pane of stained glass, filtering the sacred into the secular.
The Architecture of Color
Composition: A Grid of Luminosity
The painting’s structure revolves around a central vertical axis, dividing the canvas into mirrored halves that echo the symmetry of a rising sun. Jawlensky employs a grid-like framework of black lines to segment the composition, creating cells of color that vibrate against one another. The warm oranges and yellows at the center—suggestive of the sun’s core—are counterbalanced by cooler blues and greens at the periphery, a technique that generates optical depth without relying on perspective.
Pallete: Chromatic Contrast as Emotional Language
The limited yet strategic palette reflects Jawlensky’s theory that “color is the keyboard, the eyes are the hammers, and the soul is the piano.” Here, complementary hues (orange and blue, red and green) are placed in close proximity to intensify their luminosity. The matte finish of the oil paint, applied in thin, even layers, ensures that the colors retain their purity without the distraction of textural variation. This approach aligns with his assertion that “a painting must speak for itself, not through virtuosity of brushwork, but through the harmony of its colors.”
Own This Luminous Expressionist Masterwork
Bring the transcendent glow of Jawlensky’s Variation Sonnenaufgang into your space. This gallery-framed print captures the original’s vibrant chromatic contrasts and precise geometry, ready to hang. Free worldwide shipping ensures it arrives effortlessly, wherever you are.
Add to Cart — $24999Where to Hang Variation Sonnenaufgang
This print’s 30×40 cm dimensions and bold palette make it a focal point for modern interiors. Its geometric rigor pairs ideally with minimalist spaces—consider a white or pale gray wall to accentuate the colors’ intensity. In a living room, position it above a low console table to anchor the composition at eye level; in a study, let it contrast with dark wood shelving for a striking intellectual atmosphere. The warm tones also complement terracotta or mustard accents, while the black outlines echo the clean lines of mid-century furniture. For maximum impact, ensure the print is lit evenly to preserve the flat, luminous effect Jawlensky intended.
Is the frame included? What is the framing quality?
Yes, every print includes a gallery-quality frame crafted from solid wood with a matte finish, designed to complement the artwork’s era. The frame’s depth and neutral tone ensure the colors remain the focal point, while acid-free matting protects the print from direct contact with the glass.
Where do you ship, and how long does delivery take?
We offer free shipping worldwide with no minimum purchase. Delivery typically takes 5–10 business days, depending on your location. All orders are fulfilled from our production facilities in the EU and North America for efficient global distribution.
How long will the colors stay vibrant?
Our prints use archival inks rated for 100+ years without fading, paired with UV-protective glass to shield against sunlight. The combination ensures the original’s luminosity endures, even in brightly lit rooms.
What is your return policy?
You may return your framed print within 30 days of delivery for a full refund, no questions asked. We cover return shipping costs if the item arrives damaged or doesn’t match your expectations.
Sources & Further Reading
- Tate. "Alexej von Jawlensky." Tate.org.uk.
- The Museum of Modern Art. "Expressionism: A German Introspection." MoMA.org.
- The Art Story. "Alexej von Jawlensky: Life and Legacy." TheArtStory.org.
More Works by Alexej Von Jawlensky
Explore the evolution of Jawlensky’s abstract language through these key pieces from his career.
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Add to Cart — $24999