“The Sailor (Self Portrait)” is a tempera on canvas work created by Vladimir Tatlin between 1911 and 1912, currently housed in the Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. This 71.5 x 71.5 cm artwork, executed in the Cubist style, represents a genre self-portrait and is notable for its exploration of form and structure.
The artwork depicts the self-portrait of Vladimir Tatlin rendered in bold colors and fragmented shapes typical of Cubism. The sailor’s face, primarily composed of vibrant orange hues with stark blue eyes, is set against a background of muted shades. The figure is adorned with a navy hat inscribed with Cyrillic text, adding a cultural context to the piece. Surrounding the figure are abstract representations of sailors, further emphasizing the maritime theme. The composition balances geometric forms with expressive brushwork, showcasing Tatlin’s innovative approach to a traditional subject matter.
