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Undertaker

Dimensions
27.0 x 21.0 cm

Kazimir Malevich's 'Undertaker' (1913) – a striking pencil sketch embodying Suprematism’s geometric abstraction. Explore this pivotal work, reflecting early 20th-century art and Malevich’s revolutionary vision. Hand-painted reproductions available.

Kazimir Malevich (1878-1935): Ukrainian founder of Suprematism & pioneer of abstract art. Explore iconic works like Black Square, geometric forms, & pure feeling's impact on 20thC art.

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. ( Buy Hand Made Painting Switch to Digital Image)

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W307PJ $10
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W316G $10
Corner sample of the W316PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
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Corner sample of the W398PJ picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
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Total Price

$ 81

Undertaker

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 81

Quick Facts

  • Movement: Constructivism
  • Year: 1913
  • Location: St. Petersburg State Museum of Theater and Music
  • Title: Undertaker
  • Medium: Pencil on paper

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What is the man in the drawing wearing on his feet?
Question 2:
Which object is located towards the right side of the image?
Question 3:
What type of clothing is the man wearing on his upper body?
Question 4:
In what year was 'Undertaker' created?
Question 5:
What is the size of the artwork?

A Figure in Shadow

This 1913 pencil sketch presents a solitary man positioned centrally within the frame. He wears a dark suit, a tie, and a prominent top hat, paired with striking red shoes that provide the only sharp departure from the otherwise somber palette. His arms hang at his sides, maintaining a stiff, formal posture. To the right, a pair of scissors rests in the composition, introducing an unexpected, sharp element to the scene.

The drawing utilizes a precise, linear technique characteristic of early twentieth-century studies. While the figure possesses a recognizable form, the arrangement of elements suggests a movement toward the geometric simplification that would later define the artist's trajectory. The starkness of the lines and the deliberate placement of objects create a sense of quiet, focused tension.

Context and Form

Created during a period of intense stylistic experimentation, this work sits at the intersection of representational drawing and the burgeoning avant-garde. It reflects an era where artists were beginning to strip away decorative excess in favor of structural clarity. The presence of the scissors alongside the formally dressed figure introduces a symbolic ambiguity, hinting at themes of preparation or severance.

The composition relies on a controlled use of space. By placing the man in a void-like setting, the artist emphasizes the weight of his silhouette. This approach prioritizes the essential shapes of the hat, suit, and limbs, foreshadowing the radical reduction of form found in later movements like Suprematism. The work remains a study in balance and the psychological impact of isolated objects.

Questions & Answers

What shape and dimensions is "Undertaker" by Kazimir Malevich?

"Undertaker" by Kazimir Malevich is a portrait composition measuring 27 x 21 cm in the original.

What subjects appear in "Undertaker" by Kazimir Malevich?

"Undertaker" by Kazimir Malevich depicts: malevich, suprematism, sketch, geometric, figure, pencil, 1913, undertaker.

Where can I find a guide to "Undertaker"?

The Guide page of "Undertaker" by Kazimir Malevich offers a printable two-sheet factsheet: the artwork with its identity table, a decade band placing it in the artist's lifetime, other works by the artist, the measured color palette, and ready-to-copy citations in four styles.


Artist Biography

Kazimir Malevich: A Pioneer of Abstract Art

Early Life and Influences

  • Born in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine in 1878 to a Polish family, Kazimir Severinovich Malevich’s early life was shaped by the rural Ukrainian landscape and its rich folk culture.
  • His upbringing instilled in him an appreciation for traditional artistic expressions that would later subtly influence his work.
  • Formal training began in Kyiv, but Malevich quickly sought broader artistic horizons, moving towards Moscow and eventually engaging with the burgeoning avant-garde movements of Europe.
  • Key Influences: Early exposure to folk art, combined with a desire for modern expression, formed the foundation of his unique style.

Artistic Development & Key Movements

  • Initially, Malevich explored various styles including Impressionism, Symbolism, Fauvism, and Cubism. A pivotal trip to Paris in 1912 exposed him to the latest developments in European art.
  • He gradually moved away from representational forms, seeking a purely artistic language based on geometric shapes and color.
  • This led to the development of Suprematism around 1915 – an abstract movement focused on “the supremacy of pure feeling” in art.
  • Suprematism rejected any attempt to depict objects from the visible world, instead prioritizing basic geometric forms like squares, circles, and rectangles.

Major Achievements & Notable Works

  • Black Square (1915): Arguably his most famous work, it represents a radical departure from traditional art and is considered a foundational piece of abstract painting.
  • White on White (1918): A series exploring the purity of form and color, featuring white geometric shapes against a white background – pushing abstraction to its limits.
  • Stroyuschiysya dom [House under Construction] (1916): An early example of Suprematism showcasing his unique perspective on Ukrainian culture through abstract forms.
  • He also wrote extensively on art theory, articulating the philosophical principles behind Suprematism and advocating for a new artistic consciousness.

Historical Significance & Legacy

  • Malevich’s work profoundly impacted the development of 20th-century abstract art, influencing movements like Minimalism and Constructivism.
  • He challenged conventional notions of representation and paved the way for non-objective art.
  • His ideas about pure feeling and geometric abstraction continue to resonate with artists today.
  • Despite facing political persecution under Stalin – initially supported, then suppressed – Malevich persevered in his practice and teaching.
  • Influence on Later Artists: He directly influenced artists like El Lissitzky and indirectly shaped countless others through the enduring legacy of Suprematism.

Later Life & Death

  • In his later years, Malevich revisited figurative painting, attempting to synthesize his abstract principles with representational forms.
  • He continued to teach and write about art until his death in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) in 1935.
  • His work remained relatively obscure for decades after his death but experienced a resurgence of interest in the latter half of the 20th century, solidifying his place as one of the most important figures in modern art history.
Kazimir Malevich

Kazimir Malevich

1878 - 1935 , Ukraine

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