Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Aleksandr Rodchenko died in 1956; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 2026.
In context
Composition — Aleksandr Rodchenko
The original measures 40 × 35 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 65 at death.
Painted when the artist was 26. The artist lived to 65. 0 of the 67 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of Aleksandr Rodchenko (1891–1956) ▲ this work, 1917 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1923 Main working years: 1923–1929 Late works: from 1929
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/aleksandr-rodchenko-composition-8XXMRF-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Putty #f4dfd0
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 80.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 85 works by this artist, of which 29 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
About this artwork
Composition — Aleksandr Rodchenko
Aleksandr Rodchenko's Composition is a seminal work of Cubo-Futurism, a movement that emerged in early 20th century Russia. This painting, created in 1917, showcases Rodchenko's innovative style, which blended elements of Italian Futurism and French Analytical Cubism. The result is a dynamic and abstract composition that continues to fascinate art lovers today.
Rodchenko was one of the founders of Constructivism, a movement that sought to break away from traditional representational art forms. His work was influenced by the likes of Kazimir Malevich and Vladimir Tatlin, who were also key figures in the Russian avant-garde. Rodchenko's Composition reflects this influence, with its use of geometric shapes and bold colors. Cubo-Futurism was a short-lived but significant movement that sought to capture the dynamism and energy of modern life. Artists like Rodchenko and Pablo Picasso were drawn to this style, which emphasized fragmentation and multiple perspectives. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has an extensive collection of Cubo-Futurist works, including pieces by Rodchenko and his contemporaries.
Rodchenko's Composition features a large circle at its center, surrounded by smaller shapes and lines. The painting is characterized by its use of primary colors, including red, yellow, and blue. The overall effect is one of dynamic energy and movement, as if the shapes are in motion. This style is reminiscent of Synthetic Cubism, a phase of Cubism that emphasized the use of papier collé (paper collage) and other materials.
Visit /en/art/show/art-8xxmrf-en/ to see a high-quality image of Rodchenko's Composition.
Learn more about Cubo-Futurism and its key artists at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cubo-Futurism.
Explore the works of other Constructivist artists, such as Vladimir Tatlin and Kazimir Malevich, on https://AllPaintingsStore.com.
BR Rodchenko's Composition is a testament to the innovative spirit of Cubo-Futurism and its influence on modern art. As a masterpiece of this style, it continues to inspire artists and art lovers today. Whether you're interested in the history of Cubo-Futurism or simply appreciate the beauty of abstract art, Rodchenko's Composition is a must-see work that showcases the best of early 20th century Russian avant-garde.
Artist and museum
Born in Saint Petersburg, Russia
Born: December 5, 1891, in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Rodchenko’s family relocated to Kazan after his father's death in 1909.
Initially self-taught, he gained artistic inspiration from art magazines before formal training.
He began his studies in 1910 at the Kazan Art School under Nikolai Fechin and Georgii Medvedev, where he met his future wife, Varvara Stepanova.
Continued his education at the Stroganov Institute in Moscow after 1914.
Early Influences: Rodchenko was profoundly impacted by the avant-garde movements of Cubism and Futurism, which shaped his abstract and austere style.
He initially experimented with painting, exploring various styles before finding his unique voice.
His artistic journey involved a constant questioning of traditional art forms and a search for new modes of expression suited to the modern age.
Co-founder of Constructivism: Rodchenko played a pivotal role in establishing Constructivism, an art movement that rejected purely aesthetic concerns in favor of socially purposeful design.
He believed art should serve the revolution and contribute to building a new socialist society.
Photography as a Medium: Rodchenko revolutionized photography, viewing it not merely as documentation but as a powerful tool for social commentary and artistic expression.
His photographic work was characterized by dynamic angles, bold compositions, and a focus on everyday life.
Notable Paintings: “White Circle” exemplifies his abstract geometric style. Other significant paintings include "Red and Yellow" and "Composition".
Photomontage Pioneer: He began experimenting with photomontage in 1923, notably collaborating with Vladimir Mayakovsky on the poem “About This,” creating visually striking compositions.
Graphic Design & Posters: Rodchenko designed impactful posters, including his famous poster for the Lengiz publishing house featuring a young woman with a cupped hand – a symbol of Soviet propaganda and modern design.
Books (1924): His book designs were innovative in their typography and layout, reflecting Constructivist principles.
Rodchenko’s work profoundly influenced the development of 20th-century Russian art and design.
His innovative approach to photography, painting, and graphic design continues to inspire artists and designers worldwide.
He challenged traditional artistic conventions and embraced new technologies and materials.
Museum Collections: His works are held in prominent collections such as the Krasnoyarsk Art Museum (Russia) and the Kramskoy Museum of Fine Arts (Voronezh, Russia).
He passed away on December 3, 1956, in Moscow, leaving behind a legacy of artistic innovation and social engagement.
topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/aleksandr-rodchenko-composition-8XXMRF-en/
Look closely
Composition — Aleksandr Rodchenko
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
To get a print of "Composition" by Aleksandr Rodchenko, simply order it on its Fine Art Print page: a fine art print on cotton canvas or archival canvas paper.
"Composition" by Aleksandr Rodchenko is in the public domain - its copyright has expired. Copyright duration runs from the artist's death, which occurred in 1956.
Works similar to "Composition" are listed on the artwork's Similars page.