Mondrian

The typical Mondrian style is immediately recognisable. Characteristic of Piet Mondrian (1872-1944) is the abstract-geometric form language and surface division. Although Mondrian is known for the use of primary colours, he just as often used the 'non-colours' grey, black and white. These shades are also found in the artistic Tiffany lamps. Also note the artistically shaped fittings that complement the glass.

DE STIJL, founded in 1917. The use of primary colours in combination with black and white was central. The simplest possible design with mainly horizontal and vertical lines was very important. Later, oblique planes were also used. Famous members of this art movement included Theo van Doesburg, Piet Mondriaan and Gerrit Rietveld.

Gerrit Rietveld (1888-1964) is one of the greatest architects the Netherlands has known. Entirely in line with the Nieuwe Bouwen movement, also known as Rationalism, Rietveld designed buildings in pure forms; simple, functional and unadorned. It is this combination that makes these objects shine in their simplicity.