[Student on a Roof Ledge, Moscow]
A founder of Russian Constructivism, Rodchenko embraced photography as a tool to revolutionize perception, using diagonal and unexpected vantage points to surprise the viewer into discovering the world anew. Here, he trains his lens on a student perched at the edge of a Moscow roof. If the steeply angled view aligns the work with Rodchenko’s revolutionary aesthetic, the focus on the man’s youthful body speaks to the burgeoning Soviet interest in athleticism and physical prowess. Throughout the 1930s, Rodchenko photographed gymnasts, rooftop sunbathers, and mass-sporting events.
Artwork Details
- Title: [Student on a Roof Ledge, Moscow]
- Artist: Alexander Rodchenko (Russian, St. Petersburg 1891–1956 Moscow)
- Date: 1932
- Medium: Gelatin silver print
- Dimensions: 22.8 x 29.5 cm (9 x 11 5/8 in.)
- Classification: Photographs
- Credit Line: Gilman Collection, Purchase, Ann Tenenbaum and Thomas H. Lee Gift, 2005
- Object Number: 2005.100.307
- Curatorial Department: Photographs
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Alexander Rodchenko
1924
Alexander Rodchenko
1924
Alexander Rodchenko
1923
Alexander Rodchenko
1927
Alexander Rodchenko
1929
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.