The artwork titled “Sketch for stage set, Glinka’s Ivan Susanin,” created by Vladimir Tatlin between 1912 and 1914, is an exemplar of the Constructivism movement. This work falls under the design genre, reflecting Tatlin’s innovative approach to stage set design for the opera Ivan Susanin by composer Mikhail Glinka.
The artwork portrays a dynamic, visually engaging stage set with vibrant hues of red and orange dominating the scene. The backdrop is adorned with intricate floral patterns, displaying an array of stylized flowers and vine-like designs that infuse the setting with a sense of decorative richness. To the left, there is a geometric, cube-like structure, possibly representing a modernistic interpretation of an architectural element. Alongside this structure, a group of figures clad in vivid red costumes stand in a poised formation, adding to the dramatic intensity of the composition. A set of ascending stairs emerges from the right, creating a sense of depth and leading the eye towards the upper sections of the mesmerizing, colorful backdrop. The interplay of bold colors and geometric shapes communicates Tatlin’s vision of a stage set that merges traditional and avant-garde elements in a harmonious yet striking manner.
