Artwork

Reservist of the First Division

Reservist of the First Division, by Kazimir Malevich, oil, 1914
Reservist of the First Division, by Kazimir Malevich, oil, 1914

Reservist of the First Division is an oil painting by the Suprematist artist Kazimir Malevich. It dates from 1914 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

The painting is titled Reservist of the First Division by Kazimir Malevich.

This work is from 1914. Kazimir Malevich was a Russian artist. I don't know much about the image itself, but I can tell you that the title suggests a military theme.

You can learn more about the artist's style and other works at the Museum of Modern Art.

Overview

Reservist of the First Division, created in 1914 by Kazimir Malevich, is a painting that utilizes a thermometer as its medium, predating the official launch of the Suprematist movement the following year.

Subject & Meaning

The title implies a military theme, potentially reflecting the tumultuous era. However, as a precursor to Suprematism, the work likely emphasizes geometric abstraction over representational subject matter, aligning with Malevich's shift towards non-objective art.

Technique & Style

The incorporation of a thermometer as the medium is innovative and characteristic of Malevich's experimental approach. While specific visual details of the painting are not provided, it would have laid groundwork for the stark, geometric forms synonymous with Suprematism.

History & Provenance

Created in 1914 by Kazimir Malevich, a pivotal figure in the Russian avant-garde, the piece is now part of the Museum of Modern Art's collection, reflecting its significance in the development of abstract art movements.

Context

Emerging on the cusp of World War I and the Russian Revolution, Reservist of the First Division sits at the intersection of geopolitical upheaval and revolutionary art movements, embodying the era's radical artistic transformations.

Legacy

As an early work in Malevich's progression towards Suprematism, Reservist of the First Division contributes to the broader legacy of non-objective art, influencing subsequent abstract movements despite its unconventional medium and subject matter.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Kazimir Malevich

Artist

Kazimir Malevich

Kazimir Severinovich Malevich (23 February 1879 – 15 May 1935) was a Russian avant-garde artist and art theorist, whose work and writings pioneered the development of abstract painting in the 20th century.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.