Where Is Black Square? See It at State Russian Museum

Q: Where is Malevich's Black Square?

The 1915 original is at the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. Malevich made four versions total; another is at the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg.

Q: What is Suprematism?

Suprematism was Malevich's art movement focused on pure geometric forms. He called Black Square the "zero point" from which new art could begin.

Q: Why was Black Square hung in the icon corner?

Malevich displayed it where religious icons traditionally hung in Russian homes. This provocative placement suggested abstract art as a new form of spiritual expression.

Russian painter Kazimir Malevich painted this Black Square in 1915, a simple black square on a white background that became the icon of Suprematism. He called it the "zero point of painting," stripping art to its most basic geometric form. The work premiered at "The Last Futurist Exhibition 0,10" in Petrograd, hung in the icon corner where Russian homes traditionally placed religious images.

This placement was deliberate. Malevich intended Suprematism as a spiritual movement, freeing art from representing the objective world. X-ray analysis at the Tretyakov Gallery revealed two earlier paintings beneath the black surface: a colorful Suprematist composition and another layer below.

Malevich produced four versions of Black Square over his career. The original, in fragile condition, hangs at the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. At his 1935 funeral, mourners carried flags with black squares, and one marked his grave.

The 1915 original is at the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. Malevich made four versions total; another is at the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg.

X-rays revealed two earlier paintings beneath the surface: a colorful Suprematist composition and another layer. Malevich painted over his own work.

Suprematism was Malevich's art movement focused on pure geometric forms. He called Black Square the "zero point" from which new art could begin.

Malevich displayed it where religious icons traditionally hung in Russian homes. This provocative placement suggested abstract art as a new form of spiritual expression.

Black Square

Details

Where to See It

The Artist

More by Kazimir Malevich

Suprematist Composition

Also at State Russian Museum

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About Black Square

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