Aleksandr Rodchenko

Rodchenko, Aleksandr Mikhailovich
Rodchenko, Alexander
Russian, 1891 - 1956

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This is a black and white photograph of individuals forming a human pyramid. The image shows a group of people in shorts arranged in tiers with one person at the top holding a bouquet of flowers in one hand and grasping a flagpole with a flag in the other hand. Those lower in the pyramid support those above them, showcasing strength and balance. The decorative structure has floral arrangements at its base, and the clear sky in the background contrasts with the human figures.
Aleksandr Rodchenko, Male Pyramid, 1936, gelatin silver print mounted on tissue paper, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 2004.122.2

Male Pyramid

Aleksandr Rodchenko · 1936 · gelatin silver print mounted on tissue paper ·  Accession ID  2004.122.2
The image shows a close-up of a person's face, focusing on the lower half. The person is smiling with their teeth showing, has a broad nose, squinted eyes, and short hair. The background is plain light gray.
Aleksandr Rodchenko, Pioneer, 1930, gelatin silver print mounted on tissue paper, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 2004.122.4

Pioneer

Aleksandr Rodchenko · 1930 · gelatin silver print mounted on tissue paper ·  Accession ID  2004.122.4
The image shows a partial view of a person's face taken from an unusual low-angle perspective. The camera captures the person from below, focusing on their chin, mouth, and nose, with the upper part of the face slightly obscured due to the angle. The person appears to have short hair, and their facial features include lips that are in contact with the mouthpiece of a brass instrument. The image is in black and white. The person is wearing clothing that covers their shoulders, and they are holding or playing a brass musical instrument that partially obscures the face. The background consists of a blurred view, with an area of indistinct sky.
Aleksandr Rodchenko, Pioneer with a Bugle, 1930, gelatin silver print mounted on tissue paper, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 2004.122.5

Pioneer with a Bugle

Aleksandr Rodchenko · 1930 · gelatin silver print mounted on tissue paper ·  Accession ID  2004.122.5
This is a photograph of a tall building viewed from an upward angle. The image shows a high-rise building with balconies protruding outward at regular intervals. The structure is photographed from a low angle, making it appear to reach towards the sky. The photograph is in black and white, emphasizing contrasts between light and shadow on the surfaces and lines of the building's facade. The design gives the image a modern and minimalist feel.
Aleksandr Rodchenko, Mosselprom Building, 1930, gelatin silver print mounted on tissue paper, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 2004.122.3

Mosselprom Building

Aleksandr Rodchenko · 1930 · gelatin silver print mounted on tissue paper ·  Accession ID  2004.122.3
The image shows a close-up of two heads from a low angle perspective. The face in the foreground belongs to a person playing a musical instrument, possibly a trumpet. Only the lower half of this person's face is visible, with their lips touching the mouthpiece. Their head appears to be tilted back. In the background, another person's face is partially visible, showing just the side of their face and hair. The environment seems to be outdoors with a cloudy sky in the backdrop. The image is framed by film strips on the top and bottom.
Aleksandr Rodchenko, Pioneer with a Bugle, 1930, gelatin silver print (contact print), Patrons' Permanent Fund, 2004.122.6

Pioneer with a Bugle

Aleksandr Rodchenko · 1930 · gelatin silver print (contact print) ·  Accession ID  2004.122.6
The image shows vertical columns casting shadows. The columns are aligned symmetrically along a building's structure. Soft, indirect light illuminates the columns, highlighting their texture and form. The camera angle is from above, emphasizing the height and depth of the columns. Light and shadow play create a dramatic effect. The diagonal composition guides the viewer's eye through the scene, adding a sense of grandeur.
Aleksandr Rodchenko, Columns of the Museum of the Revolution, 1926, gelatin silver print mounted on tissue paper, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 2004.122.1

Columns of the Museum of the Revolution

Aleksandr Rodchenko · 1926 · gelatin silver print mounted on tissue paper ·  Accession ID  2004.122.1
The image shows a man facing the camera directly, with his head slightly tilted forward. He has a serious expression and strong features, wearing a light-colored fedora with a dark band and a dark overcoat over a light-colored, textured sweater. The background is a plain, textured surface, and the lighting is soft.
Aleksandr Rodchenko, Vladimir Mayakovsky, 1924, gelatin silver print mounted on tissue paper, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 2004.122.7

Vladimir Mayakovsky

Aleksandr Rodchenko · 1924 · gelatin silver print mounted on tissue paper ·  Accession ID  2004.122.7
The image shows a man's face. He is facing forward with a serious expression, showing strong facial features. He wears a light-colored fedora, a textured scarf, and a dark coat. The background is neutral.
Aleksandr Rodchenko, Vladimir Mayakovsky, 1924, gelatin silver print mounted on tissue paper, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 2004.122.8

Vladimir Mayakovsky

Aleksandr Rodchenko · 1924 · gelatin silver print mounted on tissue paper ·  Accession ID  2004.122.8
The image depicts a man from the shoulders up, emphasizing his face. He is facing slightly to his left, with intense eyes looking towards the camera. He has a shaved head with very short hair, sharp facial features, a prominent brow, and a defined jawline. The man is dressed formally in a shirt, tie, and jacket, but the details are scarcely visible due to the tight framing. A thin object resembling a cigar or cigarette is held between his lips. The background is plain and dark, directing focus to the man's face.
Aleksandr Rodchenko, Vladimir Mayakovsky, 1924, printed in or before 1938, gelatin silver print, Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund and Robert B. Menschel Fund, 2002.123.1

Vladimir Mayakovsky

Aleksandr Rodchenko · 1924, printed in or before 1938 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2002.123.1
The image consists of geometric shapes and bold lines, including circles and intersecting angular forms. The composition feels dynamic and balanced. The design is abstract and could resemble celestial bodies or an architectural landscape. The colors used are earthy browns and muted greens, creating a backdrop that could evoke stones or earth. The white and dark circles stand out as familiar and enigmatic forms within the abstract setting.
Aleksandr Rodchenko, Untitled, 1919, oil on wood, Gift of the Collectors Committee, 1987.60.1

Untitled

Aleksandr Rodchenko · 1919 · oil on wood ·  Accession ID  1987.60.1