“The Knife Grinder” (in Russian often translated as “The Bicycle Smith” or “The Knife Repairer”) is a painting by Kazimir Malevich made around 1912, during his cubo-futuristphase, before Suprematism.
In this work Malevich depicts a knife grinder at work, but the figure is broken down into sharp, dynamic geometric forms, influenced by the European avant-gardes: the Cubism of Picasso and Braque and the Italian Futurism. The broken lines and the fragmentation of the figure convey energy and movement, celebrating manual labour and the modern world of machines.
The painting is important because it marks a phase of transition towards total abstraction. Although the subject is still recognisable, the artist begins to distance himself from traditional representation, favouring visual composition and the rhythm of forms. “The Knife Grinder” is now considered one of the main works of Malevich’s pre-Suprematist period.
Unique quality material
Print on handmade Amalfi paper Sheet size: 30 x 30 cm (11.8 x 11.8 in) With frame: 32 x 32 cm (12.6 x 12.6 in) Material: artwork printed on very fine handmade Amalfi paper with deckled edges Frame: light brown beech wood and wood pulp, handmade
How an Amalfi art print is made, what the frame is like, what museum glass is, how long shipping takes, and how returns work: we’ve gathered all the answers on a single page.
