Piet Mondrian (1872–1944) was a Dutch painter and a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern abstract art. Initially influenced by Impressionism and Symbolism, his early works depicted naturalistic landscapes. However, his artistic journey led him to co-found the De Stijl movement in 1917, advocating for a new form of art he termed "Neoplasticism." This style emphasized pure abstraction through the use of straight horizontal and vertical lines and primary colors, aiming to express universal harmony and order. Mondrian's mature works, such as Composition with Red, Blue, and Yellow (c. 1930), exemplify this approach, featuring grids of black lines interspersed with blocks of color. His later pieces, including Broadway Boogie Woogie (1942–43), reflect the dynamic rhythm of New York City, where he spent his final years. Mondrian's legacy endures, influencing not only painting but also architecture, design, and fashion, embodying the essence of modernist aesthetics.