The artwork “Syphilis” by Alexander Rodchenko was created in 1926 in Moscow, Russian Federation. Representing the Constructivist art movement, this piece belongs to the genre of design. The design likely served as a poster or an advertisement, reflecting the social and political agendas of the time, and it incorporates the geometric and typographic elements typical of Constructivist design.
The image features a monochromatic photograph of a man’s face oriented slightly to one side, capturing a sense of intense and reflective emotion. Overlaid on the image are geometric shapes and bold use of typography, which is characteristic of Rodchenko’s design work. A large black and white checkered pattern serves as a backdrop on the upper half while a bold stripe carrying the word “СИФИЛИС” (syphilis in Russian) intersects the man’s face, suggesting the topic of the artwork. Below the stripe, there seems to be additional text that may indicate the context or intent of the design. The powerful contrast of the image, along with the striking typography, makes a forceful visual statement, enhancing the societal message of the artwork and highlighting the innovative aesthetic of the Constructivist movement.
