Which design principle is most associated with De Stijl and Mondrian?

• A. Curved, organic forms
• B. Use of vertical and horizontal lines forming geometric grids
• C. Naturalistic shading
• D. Ornate, decorative detail

Answer: (B)

The design language being tested is the use of straight, intersecting lines arranged into a geometric grid. De Stijl and Mondrian crafted compositions that reduce form to vertical and horizontal lines, creating a grid of rectangles. This structure often carries a minimal palette—black lines with white and blocks of primary colors—to achieve clear, balanced harmony. That rigorous geometric discipline is the defining feature of their work.

Curved, organic forms belong to other movements that favor flowing, natural shapes. Naturalistic shading implies modeling light and shadow on recognizable forms, which De Stijl rejects in favor of flat color areas. Ornate, decorative detail runs counter to the stripped-down, austere aesthetic these artists pursued.