#23109 Kazimir Malevich (1879-1935)

The drawing presents a profile portrait rendered in charcoal or graphite on what appears to be textured paper. The subject is depicted within a roughly square frame, which immediately establishes a sense of containment and formal structure. A simplified head dominates the composition; its planes are sharply defined, creating an effect of angularity and geometric reduction.
The face itself is characterized by large, stylized features. The eye, positioned prominently, conveys a directness that borders on intensity. The nose is broad and substantial, while the mouth is rendered with minimal detail, suggesting perhaps a suppression or restraint of expression. A dark band, likely representing a headscarf or headdress, covers the upper portion of the head, further emphasizing the subject’s profile and contributing to the overall sense of formality.
The artist employed a limited tonal range, relying primarily on variations in shading to define form. This contributes to a starkness that enhances the portraits impact. The texture of the paper is visible throughout, adding another layer of visual interest and lending an immediacy to the work.
Subtleties within the drawing suggest deeper implications. The rigid geometry could be interpreted as symbolic of societal constraints or cultural identity. The subject’s gaze, while direct, lacks warmth, hinting at a complex emotional state – perhaps resilience, stoicism, or even a quiet defiance. The framing device itself might represent an attempt to categorize or understand the individual within a larger system. Overall, the drawing conveys a sense of dignity and strength, despite its austere aesthetic.