Student Artwork Guide — White circle

Name Class Date

Aleksandr Rodchenko, White circle (1918). Public domain. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist: Aleksandr Rodchenko topimpressionists.com/en/artists/aleksandr-rodchenko/
Artist’s dates: 1891 – 1956
Painted: 1918
Movement: Abstract Art Abstraction built strictly from squares, circles and straight edges rather than free gesture.

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.

White circle — Aleksandr Rodchenko

When was this painted?

1890
1900
1910
1920
1930
1940
1950

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 27. The artist lived to 65. 3 of the 67 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Aleksandr Rodchenko (1891–1956) ▲ this work, 1918 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

Compare with

Abstraction (Rupture), 1920 topimpressionists.com/en/art/aleksandr-rodchenko-abstraction-rupture-8XXMPT-en/
Girl with a Flower topimpressionists.com/en/art/aleksandr-rodchenko-girl-with-a-flower-D9EQPN-en/
Girl with a Leica topimpressionists.com/en/art/aleksandr-rodchenko-girl-with-a-leica-D2TDRM-en/

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-white-circle-8XXMPS-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

Main colour

Putty #e6e4d4

Catalogued palette

#E6E4D4
#C5BFA2
#0D0D06
#514A4D

These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

Palette: Neutrals The dominant colour family in the image.
Main colour name: Putty
Intensity: Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
Contrast: Statement How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
Harmony: Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
Brightness: Brilliant How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
Saturation: Muted How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

Where in the world is this painting looked at?

under 1%
1–3%
3–8%
8–20%
20% and over

This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Aleksandr Rodchenko over the last twelve months — 11 countries in all. Where these figures come from

The ten leading countries

1 China 51.2%
2 Spain 9.8%
3 Singapore 7.3%
4 United States of America 7.3%
5 Argentina 4.9%
6 France 4.9%
7 Italy 4.9%
8 Australia 2.4%
9 Brazil 2.4%
10 Estonia 2.4%
· 1 other countries 2.5%

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.

The 20 most looked-at works by Aleksandr Rodchenko

1 Non-objective composition, 1917 14.0%
2 Red and Yellow, 1918 6.0%
3 Promotional poster for Rezinotrest, 1923 6.0%
4 Battleship Potemkin, 1925 6.0%
5 Girl with a Leica 6.0%
6 Abstraction (Rupture), 1920 4.0%
7 The Stairs, 1930 4.0%
8 Books, 1924 4.0%
9 Razgovor s fininspektorom o poezii, 1926 4.0%
10 Girl with a Leica 4.0%
11 Parade of the Dynamo Sports Club, 1928, 1928 4.0%
12 About That, 1923 4.0%
13 White circle, 1918 this painting 2.0%
14 Mandolin player, 1922 2.0%
15 Construction, 1917 2.0%
16 Battleship Potemkin, 1925 2.0%
17 Novyi LEF. Zhurnal levogo fronta iskusstv (New LEF Journal of the Left Front of the Arts), no. 1, 1928 2.0%
18 Mess Mend ili Ianki v Petrograde, vol. 7, 1924 2.0%
19 Parizh, 1925 2.0%
20 And this is standing for centuries, 1923 2.0%

Together these works take 82.0% 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 ranks 13 of them, with 2.0% of that attention. 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.

White circle — Aleksandr Rodchenko

Aleksandr Rodchenko, a Russian artist known for his contributions to constructivism and design, created the painting White Circle in 1918. This work is a seminal piece in the history of abstract art, showcasing Rodchenko's innovative approach to form and color.

The Composition

The painting features two white circles with red rings around them, placed on top of each other, creating an illusion of three circles. A smaller circle without a red ring is situated near the bottom left corner. The black background enhances the visual impact of the white and red elements. This composition exemplifies Rodchenko's exploration of geometric forms and their spatial relationships.

Artistic Context

Rodchenko was one of the founders of constructivism, a movement that emphasized the use of industrial materials and techniques in art. His work often blended sculpture, photography, and graphic design, reflecting his versatility as an artist. Aleksandr Rodchenko was married to the artist Varvara Stepanova, who also contributed significantly to constructivism.

Influence on Modern Art

"Circles" by Rodchenko is part of a series that demonstrates his interest in pure geometric forms. This work influenced subsequent generations of artists, particularly those involved in abstract and minimalist movements. The simplicity and elegance of the composition have made it a landmark piece in modern art history.

Relevance to AllPaintingsStore's Collection

AllPaintingsStore.com offers a vast collection of handmade oil painting reproductions and prints on canvas of famous artworks, including pieces by Aleksandr Rodchenko. Their extensive collection spans from the 12th to the 20th century, providing art lovers with a journey through different periods and styles. For those interested in abstract art, AllPaintingsStore's reproductions offer an affordable way to own a piece of history.

Other Relevant Works

- Gustave Klimt: Goldfish (Symbolism, Oil) - Sébillot, Paul: Spring in Brittany (36 x 27 cm, Wood) - Hendra Aprida Gunawan: Hog Market (Ciputra Artpreneur Museum (Jakarta, Indonesia), Oil On Canvas) These works, available on AllPaintingsStore.com, showcase the diversity of artistic styles and periods represented in their collection.

Conclusion

"Circles" by Aleksandr Rodchenko is a pioneering work that has left an indelible mark on abstract art. Its geometric simplicity and visual impact make it a significant piece in modern art history. AllPaintingsStore.com's reproductions of such masterpieces allow art enthusiasts to appreciate these works in their own homes, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the evolution of art. For more information on Aleksandr Rodchenko and his contributions to constructivism, visit Aleksandr Rodchenko at AllPaintingsStore.com.

Artist

Aleksandr Rodchenko

Born in Saint Petersburg, Russia

Aleksandr Rodchenko: A Pioneer of Russian Modernism

Early Life and Education

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.

Artistic Development & Influences

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.

Constructivism & Photographic Innovation

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.

Major Works & Achievements

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.

Historical Significance & Legacy

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.

Where to read more

The artist Aleksandr Rodchenko topimpressionists.com/en/artists/aleksandr-rodchenko/
Similar works More works to compare topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/aleksandr-rodchenko-white-circle-8XXMPS-en/

Find this online

QR code linking to the download page for White circle

topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/aleksandr-rodchenko-white-circle-8XXMPS-en/

Cite this artwork

MLA: Rodchenko, Aleksandr. White circle. 1918, https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/aleksandr-rodchenko-white-circle-8XXMPS-en/
APA: Rodchenko, Aleksandr (1918). White circle [Painting]. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/aleksandr-rodchenko-white-circle-8XXMPS-en/
Chicago: Aleksandr Rodchenko. White circle. 1918. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/aleksandr-rodchenko-white-circle-8XXMPS-en/
Harvard: Rodchenko, Aleksandr (1918) White circle. Available at: https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/aleksandr-rodchenko-white-circle-8XXMPS-en/

White circle — Aleksandr Rodchenko

Look closely

Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

What catches your eye first, and why?
Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
Our catalogue files this work under: colour. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
Look back at Abstraction (Rupture) (1920), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
Abstract Art: Abstraction built strictly from squares, circles and straight edges rather than free gesture. Where can you see that in this work?

Your response

Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

Questions & Answers

Where can I buy a hand-painted reproduction of "White circle" by Aleksandr Rodchenko?

Hand-painted copies of "White circle" by Aleksandr Rodchenko are sold on this website: a hand-painted oil reproduction on linen canvas, ordered from its Hand-Painted Reproduction page.

Does "White circle" have an augmented reality preview?

"White circle" has an augmented reality preview: the artwork's AR Preview page shows it in your own space on a compatible device.

Can the image of "White circle" by Aleksandr Rodchenko be freely reproduced?

The copyright answer for "White circle" by Aleksandr Rodchenko: the work is in the public domain - its copyright has expired. This determines whether reproductions of the image may be freely made.