Menu
FREE ART CONSULTATION
PreviewPreview AR previewAR preview Buy Print Buy PrintBuy Image Buy Image SendSend
DetailsDetails Add to favorites Add to favorites DownloadDownload SimilarsSimilars X-RayX-Ray DiaporamaDiaporama

Musical instrument

Kazimir Malevich

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. (Buy Print Buy PrintBuy Image Buy Image)

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, ArtsDot.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview

Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (16 August). 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

$ 263

reproduction

Musical instrument

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 263

Quick Facts

  • Title: Musical Instrument
  • Dimensions: 87.5 x 73.5 cm
  • Location: Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam
  • Influences:
    • Pablo Picasso
    • Georges Braque
  • Artistic style: Simplified Cubism
  • Artist: Kazimir Malevich
  • Movement: Cubism

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What art movement is Kazimir Malevich’s ‘Musical Instrument’ primarily associated with?
Question 2:
Which artist is considered a pioneer of Cubism alongside Pablo Picasso?
Question 3:
What was Malevich’s approach to color in ‘Musical Instrument’?
Question 4:
What is the central figure depicted in ‘Musical Instrument’?
Question 5:
Where can you find Malevich’s painting ‘Lamp, Musical Instruments’?

Artwork Description

Kazimir Malevich’s Musical Instrument: A Cubist Exploration of Sound and Form

Kazimir Severinovich Malevich, a Russian artist whose legacy continues to inspire artists globally, created the captivating painting Musical Instrument in 1913. This work stands as a cornerstone of Cubism, an artistic movement that fundamentally reshaped European painting and sculpture during the early 20th century—a bold departure from traditional perspectives and representations.

The Cubist Movement: Breaking Boundaries

Cubism, spearheaded by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, wasn’t merely about depicting objects realistically; it was a deliberate rebellion against established conventions. Artists like Malevich were profoundly influenced by this revolutionary approach, experimenting with new ways to capture the essence of reality. The very term “Cubism” encapsulates this ethos—associated with artworks produced primarily in Paris (Montmartre and Montparnasse) or near Paris (Puteaux)—representing a seismic shift in artistic thinking.

Malevich’s Unique Vision: Simplifying Complexity

Malevich's distinctive style within Cubism involved merging disparate elements into harmonious combinations, challenging viewers to reconsider how they perceive visual information. Unlike contemporaries like Georgia O’Keeffe and Paul Klee who sought to translate sound into visual experiences—a fascinating ambition—Malevich adopted a more pared-down aesthetic. He prioritized clarity and geometric precision, focusing on conveying fundamental concepts rather than meticulous detail. This deliberate simplification allowed him to distill the complexities of musical instruments into powerful visual symbols.

Composition and Color: Guiding the Eye

Musical Instrument is characterized by careful color orchestration—primarily shades of grey tones interwoven with assertive black lines. These elements serve as structural dividers, delineating distinct sections within the painting and directing the viewer’s gaze across the canvas. At its heart lies a guitar, meticulously rendered against a backdrop of other guitars and violins, creating a dynamic interplay between form and texture. Furthermore, two birds—positioned strategically on the left side and upper right corner—add depth and visual interest to the composition, enriching the overall narrative without distracting from Malevich’s core message.

Beyond Cubism: Exploring Musical Symbolism

Malevich's artistic journey extended beyond the confines of Cubism, demonstrating his unwavering pursuit of innovative expression. His exploration of Suprematism—a subsequent style characterized by pure geometric forms—further solidified his reputation as a visionary artist who dared to challenge conventional notions of art and perception. Yet, Musical Instrument remains an invaluable testament to his initial foray into Cubism—a captivating piece that embodies both stylistic experimentation and profound artistic contemplation.

Notable Related Works

Malevich’s prolific output included Painting by 'Kazimir Severinovich Malevich' | Kazimir Severinovich Malevich:Musical instrument (Cubism,), housed at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands—a masterful demonstration of Cubist principles applied to a musical subject. This painting exemplifies Malevich’s ability to distill complex ideas into striking visual representations. Also noteworthy is Painting by 'Kazimir Severinovich Malevich' | Kazimir Severinovich Malevich:Musical instrument - Lamp (Cubism,Oil,), which showcases his exploration of musical instruments alongside symbolic imagery.

Discover More About Kazimir Malevich

Painting by 'Pablo Picasso' | Pablo Picasso:Guitar on pedestal (119 x 76 cm,Synthetic Cubism,) exemplifies the broader influence of Cubism on European art—a movement that irrevocably altered artistic conventions. Explore Malevich’s groundbreaking achievements and immerse yourself in the legacy of Suprematism at ArtsDot.com. Explore Kazimir Malevich’s artistic journey and the enduring impact of Cubism at ArtsDot.com.

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.