Female Passerby by Mikhail Larionov

Female Passerby

Mikhail Larionov · 1911

Scroll

“This painting offers a glimpse into early 20th-century Russian avant-garde, capturing a vivid street scene with bold colors and a simplified, striking figure.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

A woman in a vibrant red dress strides across the canvas, her figure dominating the scene. Her face, rendered with a striking simplicity, is almost mask-like, drawing attention to her bold silhouette and the dynamic brushwork that defines her form. The background, a blur of greens, blues, and yellows, suggests a bustling urban environment without offering specific details, emphasizing the fleeting nature of her presence. This painting, created in 1911 by Mikhail Larionov, captures a moment of modern life, reflecting the energy of the early 20th century. It hints at the artist's engagement with Neo-primitive styles, which often drew from Russian folk art and sign painting, giving the figure an almost iconic quality.

DETAILS
Artist
Mikhail Larionov
Date
1911
Medium
Oil on canvas
Location
Ulyanovsk Oblast Art Museum
ART MOVEMENTS
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Female Passerby
01

The woman's bright red dress, a stark contrast to the muted background.

02

Her simplified, almost featureless face, typical of Neo-primitive art.

03

The dynamic, visible brushstrokes that give the painting a sense of movement.

04

The abstract, colorful background suggesting a city street.

AUDIO DEEP DIVE

Stand in front of it and listen

The full narration walks you through Female Passerby — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.

0:00Preview · 0:30Free preview · 0:30 Hear the full story in the app
THE ARTIST

Mikhail Larionov

1881–1964 · Russian Empire

Pioneered Rayonism in 1913, Russia's first abstract art movement, then designed for Diaghilev's legendary Ballets Russes.

Read Larionov’s full story
MORE FROM THIS ARTIST

Further Works by Larionov

1 / 2
EXPLORE THE MOVEMENT

More from Der Blaue Reiter

See the movement →
KEEP EXPLORING

More works to explore

Beyond Larionov and Der Blaue Reiter: works from the same years.

Hear Female Passerby’s storyFree in the Art Whisper app Open