The artwork entitled “Sportsman” by Kazimir Malevich, created in 1913, is an exemplary piece within the Cubism movement. Executed with pencil on paper, this sketch and study measures 27 x 21 cm and is housed in the St. Petersburg State Museum of Theater and Music in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
The artwork portrays a stylized figure of a sportsman, depicted with geometric shapes and a limited color palette. Dominated by abstract forms, the piece utilizes yellow, blue, green, and black to delineate various parts of the sportsman’s attire and body. The geometric interpretation of the figure emphasizes movement and dynamism, characteristic of Cubist artworks. The composition is both simple and complex, showcasing the athletic figure in a state of action. The contours and shading subtly hint at three-dimensionality within the two-dimensional plane, demonstrating Malevich’s mastery in capturing volume and energy through minimalistic means.