The artwork, titled “Letatlin,” was created by the artist Vladimir Tatlin between the years 1930 and 1932. It belongs to the Constructivism art movement and is classified as a sculpture. The artwork is characterized by its innovative approach to combining art and engineering, reflecting the principles of Constructivism which emphasize utilitarian and industrial design.
“Letatlin” is a meticulously crafted sculpture that resembles an ornithopter, a machine designed to achieve flight by mimicking the flapping of wings similar to birds. Constructed with a framework of taunt wooden elements and supported by a lightweight structure, the sculpture showcases a delicate balance of form and function. Its design includes stretched fabric or material for the wings, a central seat or compartment for the envisioned pilot, and various mechanical components that illustrate an intricate amalgamation of artistic creativity and technical prowess. The overall aesthetic is both futuristic and elegant, embodying the Constructivist ethos that merges the artistic with the practical to create works of profound ingenuity.