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Old-Timer

Explore Kazimir Malevich’s ‘Old Timer,’ a poignant colored pencil drawing embodying Suprematism’s geometric abstraction. A unique piece reflecting solitude & introspection.

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. ( Switch to Print Switch to Digital Image)

Corner sample of the P118B picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118B $10
Corner sample of the P118H picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118H $10
Corner sample of the P118W picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118W $10
Corner sample of the P438Z picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5.5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P438Z $10
Corner sample of the P508JH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P508JH $12
Corner sample of the P508YH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
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Corner sample of the P805H picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P805H $10
Corner sample of the P805Z picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P805Z $10
Corner sample of the P919BZ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
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Corner sample of the P919G picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P919G $10
Corner sample of the P919XJ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
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Corner sample of the P959ZH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P959ZH $10
Corner sample of the P968JZ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 6 cm wide and 4 cm thick
P968JZ $12
Corner sample of the W106C picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W106C $8
Corner sample of the W218G picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218G $10
Corner sample of the W218JH picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218JH $8
Corner sample of the W218Y picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218Y $10
Corner sample of the W307PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W307PJ $10
Corner sample of the W316G picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316G $10
Corner sample of the W316PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316PJ $8
Corner sample of the W316Y picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316Y $10
Corner sample of the W398PJ picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W398PJ $8
Corner sample of the W4111J picture frame: solid wood, 6.5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
W4111J $10
Corner sample of the W500HY picture frame: solid wood, 7 cm wide and 5 cm thick
W500HY $15
Corner sample of the W500JH picture frame: solid wood, 7 cm wide and 5 cm thick
W500JH $15
Corner sample of the W692G picture frame: solid wood, 8 cm wide and 4 cm thick
W692G $12
Corner sample of the W849H picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W849H $8
Corner sample of the W940BG picture frame: solid wood, 7.5 cm wide and 4.5 cm thick
W940BG $15
Corner sample of the W953PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
W953PJ $8

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Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. This is hand-painted, so for a size with a different shape the artist can paint a bit more around the picture, or cut a bit — you choose. We send you a digital mockup to approve before the painting starts. The picture shown on this page does not show the real result — only the mockup does.

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.
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Total Price

$ 272

Old-Timer

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 272

Quick Facts

  • Artist: Kazimir Malevich
  • Movement: Constructivism
  • Medium: Colored Pencil
  • Location: Private Collection
  • Year: 1913

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What artistic movement is Kazimir Malevich’s ‘Old Timer’ primarily associated with?
Question 2:
The drawing utilizes a technique characterized by layering colored pencil strokes to achieve what effect?
Question 3:
What emotion does the artwork’s composition and posture convey?
Question 4:
The aged paper on which ‘Old Timer’ is drawn contributes to what aspect of the artwork's presentation?
Question 5:
Malevich’s early artistic explorations included styles like Symbolism and Fauvism. How did these influences contribute to his later development?

A Moment Frozen in Geometric Silence: Exploring Kazimir Malevich’s ‘Old Timer’

Kazimir Malevich's “Old Timer,” created in 1913, stands as a testament to the radical experimentation of Constructivism and embodies the core tenets of Suprematism – a movement that fundamentally challenged conventional artistic representation. This colored pencil drawing isn’t merely an image; it’s a distilled expression of solitude and contemplation rendered through meticulously crafted geometric forms. Examining its nuances reveals layers of artistic intention and historical significance, offering insights into Malevich's groundbreaking contribution to the visual arts.

The Essence of Suprematism: Beyond Illusion

Malevich’s journey toward abstraction began with explorations in Impressionism, Symbolism, Fauvism, and Cubism – styles that sought to capture subjective experience and emotional resonance. However, his formative encounter with Parisian avant-garde artists ignited a fervent desire for pure visual language, divorced from any illusion of reality. Suprematism, born from this conviction, championed the idea that art should communicate directly through geometric shapes—primarily squares and circles—representing fundamental concepts like “zero” and “unity.” ‘Old Timer’ exemplifies this philosophy perfectly; it abandons perspectival depth and detailed depiction in favor of a simplified visual vocabulary designed to evoke emotion rather than provide accurate observation.

Technique & Material: Texture as Narrative

The artist skillfully employs colored pencil on aged paper, capitalizing on the inherent materiality of the medium to amplify its expressive power. The textured surface of the paper isn’t accidental; it serves as an integral component of the artwork's narrative. Malevich builds up form and texture through layering strokes of color—primarily muted hues—creating a palpable sense of depth despite the absence of traditional spatial cues. This deliberate manipulation of material underscores Malevich’s commitment to confronting viewers with the physicality of art itself, mirroring the movement’s broader preoccupation with materiality as a conduit for conveying ideas.

Symbolism Within Geometric Form

While seemingly austere on first glance, ‘Old Timer’ is imbued with subtle symbolic resonance. The solitary figure—rendered in simplified geometric shapes—represents introspection and contemplation – themes central to Suprematism's exploration of the human psyche. The posture of the man conveys a quiet stillness, mirroring the contemplative mood evoked by the artwork’s muted palette and aged paper texture. Malevich’s deliberate choice of form isn’t simply decorative; it functions as a vehicle for conveying profound emotional truths about human experience.

Historical Context & Legacy

Created during a period of intense artistic upheaval in Russia—marked by debates over the role of art in society—‘Old Timer’ reflects the broader anxieties and aspirations of its time. Malevich's work stands alongside other seminal pieces from Constructivism, signaling a decisive break from representational tradition and paving the way for future developments in abstract art. Today, reproductions of ‘Old Timer’ continue to inspire artists and designers alike, demonstrating the enduring power of geometric abstraction to communicate emotion and provoke contemplation—a legacy firmly rooted in Malevich's unwavering belief that art should transcend mere imitation of nature.

Questions & Answers

What atmosphere does "Old-Timer" have?

The overall mood of "Old-Timer" by Kazimir Malevich is calm. The mood describes the general atmosphere of the work.

At what size is "Old-Timer" recommended to be printed?

"Old-Timer" is recommended at a large print size. Other sizes are available with the same proportions.

How intense are the colors in "Old-Timer" by Kazimir Malevich?

The colors in "Old-Timer" by Kazimir Malevich have a monochromatic intensity.


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

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