Wishlist Shopping Cart Cart
Buy print Buy printBuy Image Buy Image SendSend
DetailsDetails Add to favorites Add to favorites DownloadDownload SimilarsSimilars X-RayX-Ray DiaporamaDiaporama

Self-Portrait

Explore Malevich's early self-portrait (1907), blending Symbolism and Cubism. A striking depiction showcasing the artist's evolving style & introspective gaze.

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.

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists.

P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8

Standard
custom
CM
INCH

Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.

width
height

You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the painting with additional hand-painted elements. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.
After order, Most-Famous-Paintings.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview

Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (18 July). No compromise on quality.

why_choose_icon
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
why_choose_icon
High-Quality Linen Canvas
why_choose_icon
Full Shipping Insurance
why_choose_icon
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
why_choose_icon
True Color Matching Guarantee
why_choose_icon
60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
why_choose_icon
100% Money-Back Guarantee
why_choose_icon
Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

-

reproduction

Self-Portrait

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

-

Quick Facts

  • Artist: Kazimir Malevich
  • Medium: Tempera on cardboard
  • Artistic style: Blend of Symbolism & Cubism
  • Influences:
    • Folk art
    • Symbolism
    • Cubism
  • Dimensions: 69 x 70 cm
  • Notable elements or techniques:
    • Bold colors
    • Geometric shapes
    • Visible brushstrokes
  • Movement: Symbolism, Early Cubism

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What artistic style significantly influenced Kazimir Malevich’s ‘Self-Portrait’ (1907)?
Question 2:
What medium was used to create the ‘Self-Portrait’?
Question 3:
According to the description, what might the red tie in Malevich's self-portrait symbolize?
Question 4:
What is a prominent characteristic of the artwork’s style, as described in the image description?
Question 5:
What is a key element contributing to the emotionally charged atmosphere of the painting, according to the image description?

Artwork Description

Kazimir Malevich's Self-Portrait: A Window into Early Expressionism

Kazimir Severinovich Malevich’s "Self-Portrait," painted in 1907, offers a fascinating glimpse into the artist's formative years and his evolving artistic style. This work, created before his groundbreaking Suprematist period, showcases a blend of Symbolist and early Cubist influences, providing valuable insight into the development of one of modern art’s most revolutionary figures.

Artistic Style and Technique

The "Self-Portrait" exemplifies Malevich's transition away from traditional representational art. While still recognizable as a portrait, the painting deviates significantly from realistic depiction. The style leans towards Expressionism, characterized by distorted features and heightened emotionality. Malevich utilizes bold colors—primarily reds, greens, yellows, and blues—to create a vibrant yet unsettling atmosphere. The application of tempera on cardboard results in a textured surface with visible brushstrokes, contributing to the painting's dynamic energy. Lines are loose and gestural, further enhancing this sense of movement and unrest. The flattened perspective draws attention directly to the central figure, minimizing background details.

Composition and Subject Matter

The composition is dominated by Malevich himself, depicted with a stern expression and a distinctive red tie that serves as a focal point. His black hair and mustache add to his striking appearance. The surrounding figures in the background are less defined, suggesting a sense of isolation or perhaps representing elements of Malevich's inner world or societal connections. The overall effect is one of intense introspection, with the subject’s gaze conveying a complex mix of determination and anxiety.

Symbolism and Historical Context

Beyond its aesthetic qualities, "Self-Portrait" carries symbolic weight. The red tie can be interpreted as a symbol of passion, creativity, or even revolutionary fervor—a common theme in early 20th-century Russian art. The stern expression likely reflects Malevich’s dedication to his artistic pursuits and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of art. Created during a period of significant social and political upheaval in Russia, the painting can also be seen as reflecting the anxieties and uncertainties of the time. This work was created before Malevich's development of Suprematism, which sought to move even further away from representational art towards pure geometric abstraction.

Emotional Impact and Legacy

“Self-Portrait” evokes a powerful emotional response in viewers. The unsettling combination of bold colors, distorted features, and the subject’s intense gaze creates an atmosphere of psychological intensity. It is a compelling testament to Malevich's artistic journey—a bridge between traditional portraiture and his later groundbreaking abstract works. The painting serves as a valuable historical document, offering insight into the mind of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

Other Works by Malevich

  • Prayer
  • Sketch for fresco
  • Triumph of the Skies

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

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Suprematism, Abstract Art
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
    • Minimalism
    • Constructivism
    • El Lissitzky
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
    • Cubism
    • Fauvism
    • Impressionism
  • Date Of Birth: 1878
  • Date Of Death: 1935
  • Full Name: Kazimir Severinovich Malevich
  • Nationality: Ukrainian/Russian
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Black Square
    • White on White
    • House under Construction
  • Place Of Birth: Kyiv, Ukraine
Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.