The artwork titled “Reaper,” created by Kazimir Malevich in 1929, employs oil on wood as its medium. It is classified under the genre painting category and belongs to the art movement of Expressionism. The dimensions of the artwork are 29.5 x 31.3 cm, and it is part of the “2nd Peasant Cycle” series.
In this expressive genre painting, a lone figure is depicted engaging in the laborious task of reaping. The individual is shown bent over within a field of golden wheat, utilizing a sickle, indicative of the traditional agricultural practices. The vibrant use of colors, particularly the stark contrast between the figure’s white blouse and the rich, dark shades of their skirt, merges harmoniously with the surrounding earth tones. The green headscarf and the patches of grass embellish the composition, adding a sense of realism in the depiction of rural life. The artist’s use of bold lines and dynamic forms capture the physicality and perseverance requisite in agricultural work. The portrayal concisely reflects the characteristics of Expressionism, emphasizing emotional experience over realistic representation.
