The Abstraction of a Cow series represents Theo van Doesburg's what artistic impulse?

• A. focus on bright color.
• B. a study in texture.
• C. interest in simplification.
• D. depiction of animal form.

Answer: (C)

The Abstraction of a Cow shows van Doesburg’s drive to simplify form into essential geometry and lines. Rather than a detailed, lifelike rendering, the cow is reduced to basic shapes and decisive strokes that reveal the underlying structure of the subject. This move toward stripping away descriptive detail is a hallmark of his broader De Stijl influence, aiming for a universal, harmonious arrangement through pared-down visuals. The work minimizes color and texture to keep the focus on composition and form, not surface qualities. So the best answer reflects an interest in simplification, rather than emphasis on color, texture, or literal animal depiction.