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"By the Sea" (1909) is a work by Dutch painter Piet Mondrian, which captures the tranquil yet dynamic essence of a seascape. This painting is a prime example of Mondrian's early figurative work before he transitioned to his iconic style of geometric abstraction.

The painting portrays a view of the sea, rendered with a keen sensitivity to the movement and light of the water. Mondrian employs a subdued yet evocative palette dominated by deep blues and earthy browns, enhanced by occasional flecks of white to depict the fleeting reflections of sunlight on the waves. The brushwork is meticulous, yet expressive, suggesting the gentle oscillation of the sea. The horizon line, steady and calm, divides the composition, grounding the viewer’s gaze in a serene contemplation of nature.

Mondrian’s technique in "By the Sea" showcases his adept use of color modulation and brush strokes to convey a sense of depth and vastness. The water's texture, captured through short, staccato-like brush strokes, imparts a rhythm that mimics the natural undulations of the ocean.

"By the Sea" belongs to Piet Mondrian’s earlier phase, when he was still influenced by Impressionism and Symbolism, reflecting the natural world around him with a tangible sense of realism. During this period, he often focused on the Dutch landscape, seasides, and windmills, producing works that depicted the tangible world prior to his shift toward abstraction.

Mondrian, born in 1872, began his career deeply rooted in the traditions of Dutch painting before etching his path towards the abstract and geometric works for which he is best known. "By the Sea" represents an intermediary stage in Mondrian’s development, encapsulating his gradual movement away from naturalistic representation and towards his pioneering role in the De Stijl movement.

By the early 1910s, Mondrian started to incorporate more abstract elements into his work, influenced by Cubism and the Theosophical Society's spiritual philosophies. Eventually, this evolution led to his development of Neoplasticism, characterized by pure abstraction and a strict use of horizontal and vertical lines along with primary colors.

Thus, "By the Sea" stands as an insightful artifact from the period before Mondrian's artistic philosophy took a radical turn. While it embodies the styles and sensibilities of early 20th-century European art, it simultaneously hints at the transformative ideas Mondrian would soon bring to the art world.

The original "By the Sea" painting can be found in the Kunstmuseum Den Haag (Municipal Museum of The Hague) in the Netherlands. The Kunstmuseum holds an extensive collection of Mondrian's works, providing a comprehensive perspective on his artistic journey from representational landscapes to groundbreaking abstracts.

- Date of Creation: 1909
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Dimensions: Approximately 94 cm x 115 cm (37 inches x 45 inches)
- Signature: Mondrian often signed his works during this period, providing an insight into his evolving identity as an artist.

"By the Sea" is valued not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its historical significance. It captures a critical moment of transition in Mondrian's career and offers a window into the artistic and intellectual currents that shaped the early 20th century.