The artwork “Reaper” by Kazimir Malevich, created circa 1932, is an oil painting on wood. Measuring 72.4 by 72 cm, this piece belongs to the Cubism art movement and falls under the genre of genre painting. It is part of the “2nd Peasant Cycle” series.
In the artwork, a solitary peasant figure is depicted engaged in the act of harvesting. The peasant, bending towards the wheat, demonstrates a fusion of bold, simplified forms that align with the Cubist aesthetic. The color palette is vivid, with the primary colors used prominently to accentuate the figure’s clothing and the surrounding environment. The peasant’s blue headscarf and red feet, contrasted by the white upper garment and dark skirt, create a striking visual. The background is rendered in dynamic strokes of green, blue, and earthy tones, which encapsulate the rural setting and the physicality of the peasant’s labor. This composition exemplifies Malevich’s skill in employing geometric shapes and strong colors to convey both the simplicity and the dignity of rural life.
