The Dutch avant-garde refers to a movement in the Netherlands during the late 19th and early 20th centuries that sought to challenge traditional artistic norms. It encompassed various forms of art, including painting, literature, and architecture, and was characterized by experimentation and innovation. Key figures included Theo van Doesburg and Piet Mondrian, who were instrumental in developing styles like De Stijl. This movement was influenced by broader European avant-garde trends, such as Dadaism and Surrealism. Dutch avant-garde artists aimed to express modernity and abstraction, often using geometric shapes and primary colors. Their work laid the foundation for future artistic developments in the Netherlands and beyond.