The artwork titled “Sketch to the Portrait of a Builder” by Kazimir Malevich, created using pencil on paper, is a prime example of the Cubo-Futurism movement. Measuring 49.6 x 33 cm, this sketch and study piece is housed at the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
Examining the artwork, one observes a composition characterized by geometric forms and overlapping planes, typical of Cubo-Futurist aesthetics. The central figure, presumably a builder, is depicted in a stylized manner with angular lines and fragmented shapes that suggest motion and dynamism. The use of shading and interplay of light and dark areas enhance the three-dimensionality of the figure, while the background elements hint at a construction site, thus grounding the subject within its implied context. Overall, the sketch captures the industrial and mechanical spirit of the early 20th century through its abstract and modernist approach.