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K.
Malevich
Portrait of a family member
of the artist,
ca.1906,
Oil on canvas, 68 x 99 cm
Amsterdam, Stedelijk Museum

The ancient genre of the portrait is likewise reinterpreted in an Impressionist
manner. A member of Malevich's family, perhaps
his sister, sits under the trees beside a table.The trees right and
left act as a frame for her head. A pram can be vipwed in the background.and
a ball in the net.The picture radiates the peacefulnessof a rural Sunday-an
impression reinforced by the light
color tones and the lack of strong contrasts.With her hands in her
lap, the woman looks restful.She appears to survey the
viewer with a calm,almost expectant gaze. In this picture, Malevich
was experimenting with various painting techniques: nature is painted with
spots, while the table cloth and clothes are applied with thick streaks
of paint. However.the face of the woman is painted with traditional naturalism.
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