“Figure in the form of a cross with raised hands” is a work of art by Kazimir Malevich, an important figure in the Neo-Suprematism art movement. This artwork falls under the genre of portraiture, albeit in an abstract manner that reflects the principles of the movement Malevich was a part of.
The artwork depicts a human-like figure that appears quite simple and abstracted. The figure is set within a rectangular border, suggesting confinement or perhaps framing. In place of a face, there is a non-descript, rounded head. The arms of the figure extend horizontally, forming the defining cross-shape referred to in the title. The hands are somewhat indistinct, blending into the lines of the arms. The figure’s body is elongated, narrowing towards the middle. The legs are fused into a singular form, reminiscent of a traditional long garment, perhaps suggesting the figure is wearing some type of robe or tunic. The feet, slightly detailed, provide a base for the figure, anchoring it within the pictorial space of the artwork.
The minimalist approach to detail and the use of monochromatic tones are characteristic of Malevich’s later works, where the focus was often on geometric forms and the exploration of space and spirituality rather than on realistic representation. The artwork evokes the sensation of being both a literal human figure and a symbolic representation, perhaps alluding to the intersection of humanity with the sublime or the divine.
