The artwork titled “Self-Portrait,” created by Kazimir Malevich in 1907, exemplifies the Symbolism movement. Rendered in tempera on cardboard, this self-portrait measures 69 by 70 centimeters. This piece features Malevich himself, engaged in the introspective artistic practice characteristic of Symbolism.
In the artwork, Kazimir Malevich’s visage occupies the central focus, adorned with a red bow tie and set against an ethereal background populated by stylized, haloed figures amidst a forested landscape. The intricate foliage and the meditative presence of these figures contribute to an otherworldly ambiance, suggesting themes of contemplation and spiritual exploration. Malevich’s intense gaze invites the viewer into a deeper engagement with the symbolic and possibly mystical quality inherent in the painting.