Manhattan (Josef Albers mural)

Manhattan is a large-scale mural created by German-American artist Josef Albers in 1930. It is considered one of his most significant early works and exemplifies his transition from figurative art to geometric abstraction. The mural was originally commissioned for the dining room of Philip Johnson's apartment in New York City.

The work consists of a series of rectilinear forms, primarily arranged in horizontal and vertical orientations, that evoke the grid-like structure of Manhattan's urban landscape. Albers employed a limited palette of colors, often using shades of gray, black, white, and occasional accents of red or yellow, to emphasize the interplay of spatial relationships and geometric forms. The use of color is minimalist and strategic, contributing to the overall sense of order and precision.

"Manhattan" reflects Albers' interest in industrial design and the Bauhaus aesthetic, which emphasized functionality and simplicity. While abstract, the mural suggests the dynamism and energy of the modern city.

The original mural was later dismantled and sold in sections. Individual components and reconstructed versions reside in several prominent museum collections. Due to the fragmentation and dispersed nature of the original work, its complete form is often known through archival photographs and reproductions.