The artwork titled “Head of Peasant,” created by Kazimir Malevich circa 1932, is an oil painting on canvas with dimensions of 63.5 by 51 centimeters. This piece is part of the Expressionism art movement and belongs to the “2nd Peasant Cycle” series, marking an exploration within the portrait genre.
The artwork presents a prominently featured head of a peasant, characterized by stark, bold brushstrokes and exaggerated, expressive features typical of Expressionist approaches. The face, with its elongated and almost abstract planes, conveys a sense of profound simplicity and rawness, heightened by the contrasting backdrop of a vibrant landscape. The landscape itself is a medley of vivid, almost surreal colors with simplified forms hinting at fields and a body of water, juxtaposed against a dramatic, cloud-filled sky. The use of color is unorthodox and striking, enhancing the emotional and symbolic depth of the painting. The overall composition reflects both the individual character of the peasant and the broader societal themes Malevich is known to explore.
