The artwork titled “Smolensk. Tower,” created by Nicholas Roerich in 1903, belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and falls within the cityscape genre. This piece is part of the series “Sketches from Travels in Old Russian Cities” and is housed at the State Museum of Oriental Art in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork portrays a robust and towering structure, characteristic of medieval fortifications, with a focus on the intricate details of its stone construction. Bathed in a warm glow that suggests the presence of rich, natural light, the tower stands as a sentinel against a clear blue sky. The textured brushstrokes convey a sense of solidity and lasting endurance, emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of the edifice. The earthy tones employed by Roerich, combined with the stylized depiction, reveal an appreciation for both the architectural artistry and the historical legacy of Smolensk.
