Dutch city unveils ‘largest ever Mondrian painting’

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AFP) -- Dutch officials unveiled Friday what they called “the largest Mondrian painting in the world” to celebrate the Netherlands’ best-known abstract artist, who helped found an influential art movement a century ago.

The replica “painting” made from thin stick-on plastic sheets features Piet Mondrian’s famous design of straight black lines and striking red, yellow and blue blocks and has been displayed on the sides of the city hall in The Hague.

“The Hague’s city council decided to honor the world-renowned artist as part of a year of celebrating the theme ‘Mondrian to Dutch Design,’” city spokesman Herbert Brinkman told Agence France-Presse.

This year marks the centenary of the founding of the Dutch art movement in1917 called “De Stijl” (“The Style”) known for its bold horizontal and vertical lines encasing blocks of primary colors.

Mondrian and fellow Dutch painter and designer Theo van Doesburg were two of the better-known artists of De Stijl, which eventually dissolved in the early 1930s.

Mondrian, who shortened his name from “Mondriaan” in later years, is best known for his 1944 canvas “Victory Boogie Woogie” -- considered one of the most important works of 20th century art.