Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944) is one of the most important pioneers of abstract art. Born in Moscow, he chose to pursue painting after completing his law studies and moved to Munich in 1896 to study at the local art academy, among other places. The rapid development of his artistic work took place in Munich and Murnau, where he lived and worked with Gabriele Münter from 1908 onwards. Within their circle of mutual friends – Marc, Jawlensky, Kubin, and Macke – the idea of a progressive artist group took shape, which was founded in 1911 under the name "Der Blaue Reiter" and would go on to make art history. That same year, his highly influential book "On the Spiritual in Art" was published. This set the stage for Kandinsky's later fame.