Portrait of a Woman (c.1932) by Kazimir Malevich

Portrait of a Woman - Kazimir Malevich - c.1932

Artwork Information

TitlePortrait of a Woman
ArtistKazimir Malevich
Datec.1932
Mediumoil,wood
Dimensions58 x 49 cm
Art MovementNeo-Suprematism

About Portrait of a Woman

The artwork titled “Portrait of a Woman,” crafted by the renowned artist Kazimir Malevich around 1932, employs the medium of oil on wood. Measuring 58 by 49 centimeters, this portrait is a significant representation of the Neo-Suprematist art movement, embodying the artist’s distinct abstract style within the portrait genre.

The artwork presents a frontal view of a woman’s face and upper torso set against a contrasting backdrop. The composition is characterized by a simplified and geometric approach to the female portrait. The figure’s face is rendered with minimal details, yet it captures a serene and contemplative expression. The use of solid, unmodulated colors, such as the stark white of the skin, the luminous yellow outlining the hair, and the deep green of the background, creates a striking visual impact.

The figure is depicted with a pale complexion and large, slightly downcast eyes which, interestingly, do not have pupils. The nose is accentuated by the use of a bright yellow vertical line, while the lips are suggested by a simple black horizontal mark. The woman’s attire appears to consist of a red garment with a white portion visible on the right side, both sharply divided by a clean line. Furthermore, a blue band adorns the neck, which could imply a necklace or collar.

Malevich’s style, as evidenced in this artwork, reflects a departure from figurative realism and explores the use of geometric abstraction and bold coloration to convey the essence of the subject rather than a detailed likeness. This portrait, while resonating with the hallmarks of Malevich’s Neo-Suprematist phase, also upholds a sense of humanity and individuality within its stylized contours and minimalist aesthetic.

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