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Composition with the Mona Lisa

Explore Kazimir Malevich's groundbreaking 'Composition with the Mona Lisa,' a surrealist collage blending Cubism and Suprematism, featuring a striking depiction of Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic portrait.

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.

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Total Price

$ 263

reproduction

Composition with the Mona Lisa

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 263

Quick Facts

  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Location: Staatsgalerie Moderner Kunst (Munich, Germany)
  • Notable elements or techniques: Geometric abstraction; Collage; Surrealism
  • Subject or theme: Mona Lisa; Geometric forms
  • Dimensions: 62 x 49 cm
  • Year: 1914
  • Title: Composition With The Mona Lisa

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What artistic movement is Kazimir Malevich’s ‘Composition with the Mona Lisa’ primarily associated with?
Question 2:
Which famous artwork inspired Malevich to create this piece?
Question 3:
What technique is prominently used in ‘Composition with the Mona Lisa’ to represent objects?
Question 4:
Where can you find a significant collection of Malevich's artworks, including 'Composition with the Mona Lisa'?
Question 5:
What symbolic element is represented by the scissors held in Malevich’s painting?

Artwork Description

Kazimir Malevich: A Pioneer of Abstract Art

Malevich, born in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine in 1878 to a Polish family, was a pivotal figure in the avant-garde movement. His artistic journey spanned diverse styles—impressionism, symbolism, fauvism, cubism—yet it is his unwavering dedication to abstraction that cemented his legacy as one of art history’s most influential innovators. Early exposure to Ukrainian folk culture instilled within him an appreciation for traditional artistic expressions which subtly informed his groundbreaking approach. Formal training commenced in Kyiv, propelling him towards Moscow and fostering connections with the burgeoning artistic currents of Europe. His formative years were marked by a profound desire to liberate art from conventional constraints—a conviction that would propel him toward revolutionary experimentation.

Cubist Influences & Suprematism’s Birth

Malevich initially explored cubism alongside fellow artists like Georges Braque, recognizing its ability to dissect and reconstruct visual reality in fragmented forms. However, he swiftly transcended these influences, forging his own distinctive path towards suprematism—a radical aesthetic philosophy that championed pure geometric abstraction as the ultimate expression of artistic truth. This decisive shift away from representational art signaled a monumental transformation within Russian art and irrevocably altered its trajectory. Malevich’s conviction was that “*the world opened in a whole new manner and this had to be narrated ... in all painterly tongues and dialects.*”

Composition with the Mona Lisa: Surrealism Meets Geometry

“Composition with the Mona Lisa,” created in 1914, exemplifies Malevich's masterful fusion of cubist principles with surrealistic elements. Measuring 62 x 49 cm, the painting utilizes geometric shapes—primarily squares and rectangles—to depict Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic portrait of Lisa del Giocondo. The central figure is presented holding a pair of scissors, an unsettling juxtaposition that disrupts conventional perception and invites contemplation about identity and representation. Surrounding this enigmatic subject are additional objects—books, a cup, a bowl, and a chair—each imbued with symbolic significance. These elements contribute to the painting’s layered complexity and underscore Malevich's intention to challenge viewers intellectually and emotionally.

Symbolism & Artistic Context

The inclusion of the scissors is particularly noteworthy as it symbolizes disruption and transformation—themes central to suprematism’s core tenets. Malevich viewed art not merely as a depiction of reality but as an instrument for conveying profound philosophical ideas. His work aligns with “Cubism: A History and an Analysis, 1907–1914” by John Golding, which elucidates the movement's intellectual foundations and its rejection of traditional artistic conventions. The Staatsgalerie Moderner Kunst (Munich, Germany), housing significant works from this period, serves as a testament to Malevich’s enduring influence on modern art.

Conclusion: An Icon of Abstract Expression

“Composition with the Mona Lisa” stands as an unparalleled achievement in abstract expression—a bold declaration that artistic truth resides not in imitation but in pure geometric form. Kazimir Malevich's unwavering commitment to this vision continues to inspire artists and captivate audiences worldwide. For those eager to delve deeper into Malevich’s oeuvre or explore the broader panorama of avant-garde art, Kazimir Severinovich Malevich: Composition with the Mona Lisa and John Golding offer invaluable resources for furthering artistic understanding.

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
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