The Pole Vault, 1936
Photography by Alexander Rodchenko
Gelatin silver print, on Agfa barite paper.

Printed in 1987 by Alexander Lavrentiev from the original negative from around 1936. Limited edition of the Griffelkunst-Vereinigung e.V., Hamburg.

Photographer’s Stamp A. M. Родченко (Cyrillic) on the backside
image/sheet: 18 x 23.8 cm

Alexander Rodchenko (1891–1956) was a Russian avant-garde artist, photographer, and graphic designer, renowned for his contributions to the Constructivist movement. He studied painting at the Kazan School of Art before moving to Moscow, where he became a pivotal figure in the Russian avant-garde. Rodchenko embraced geometric abstraction and worked across various media, including painting, sculpture, and photomontage. He was a leading innovator in Soviet photography, known for his unconventional angles, stark contrasts, and dynamic compositions. As a graphic designer, Rodchenko created striking propaganda posters and book covers, collaborating closely with poet Vladimir Mayakovsky. His work emphasized functionality and rejected traditional art forms, aligning with the ideals of the Russian Revolution. Rodchenko's legacy lies in his radical experimentation and profound influence on modern design and photography.

Literature:
Aleksandr Rodchenko: Photography, 1924-1954 (Edison, 1996), p. 261