Drawing with Green Lady by Wassily Kandinsky, 1866

Wassily Kandinsky’s Zeichnung ‘mit Grüner Dame’ (Drawing for ‘with Green Lady’) is an evocative early work by the Russian-born pioneer of modern abstraction. Traditionally associated with an 1866 date—the very year of the artist’s birth—this intimate work on paper reads like a folk tale in line and symbol: a poised “green lady,” a spirited horse, and stylized architectural elements that situate the scene in a distinctly Russian vernacular. Its narrative clarity, simplified forms, and myth-tinged mood foreshadow the visionary sensibility that would later define Kandinsky’s groundbreaking nonobjective art.

Offered exclusively as a museum-quality fine art print by The Unique Maps Co., this piece is available on acid-free archival paper or richly textured artist’s cotton canvas. Choose from a range of sizes to suit your space, with optional handcrafted framing for a ready-to-hang presentation. We also offer thoughtful personalization—discreet titleplates, commemorative inscriptions, scaled borders, and tailored margins—ensuring your print feels uniquely yours while preserving the integrity of the original composition.

Kandinsky (1866–1944) stands among the most influential artists of the twentieth century. A co-founder of Der Blaue Reiter and later a teacher at the Bauhaus, he articulated a revolutionary language of color and form that connected painting to music and the inner life. His writings, notably Concerning the Spiritual in Art, helped modern audiences understand abstraction as a conduit for emotional and metaphysical experience. Even when working within figuration, as here, he favored distilled shapes and distilled feeling over academic realism.

Zeichnung ‘mit Grüner Dame’ is intriguing for its folk-inflected narrative and its bridging of the everyday with the fantastical. The galloping horse suggests motion and freedom, while the woman—central, self-possessed, and singled out chromatically—anchors the story. The stylized background, reminiscent of wooden architecture and vernacular ornament, evokes the cultural landscape that nourished Russian artists during early twentieth-century folk revivals and their search for national identity.

Visually, the work’s appeal lies in the clarity of its line and the elegance of its patterns: neat dots and bands articulate the woman’s dress; flowing curves soften the geometry of the buildings; and confident outlines give the figures a storybook legibility. A warm, yellow-beige ground meets the calm emphasis of green, allowing the “Green Lady” to stand out without overwhelming the scene. This restrained palette makes the print remarkably versatile—easy to pair with contemporary minimalism, Scandinavian neutrals, bohemian textures, or mid-century woods—while the rhythmic contours and narrative charm make it a compelling focal point for any room.

This fine art print is a thoughtful gift for admirers of Kandinsky and early modernism, lovers of Russian art and folklore, equestrian enthusiasts, or anyone drawn to lyrical line and elegant pattern. Ideal for Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations in art and design, or a memorable housewarming present that will spark conversation for years to come.

If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.

You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.

You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this art print.

I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.

This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.