The artwork titled “They Build the Ships,” created by Nicholas Roerich in 1903, is a notable example of the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and falls under the genre of cityscape. This piece exemplifies Roerich’s distinct style and his use of vibrant colors and dynamic composition to depict the bustling activity of shipbuilding.
In the artwork, one observes the industrious scene of ship construction taking place, likely in a coastal city. The ships, in various stages of assembly, dominate the foreground with their large wooden structures and vibrant hues. The use of bold, rhythmic brushstrokes and contrasting colors creates a sense of movement and energy, capturing the essence of the labor-intensive process of shipbuilding. The background features hints of green hills and other structures, providing a contextual setting that complements the main focus of the piece. Roerich’s unique application of texture and color harmonizes to produce a vivid and lively portrayal of an industrious urban environment, reflective of the Art Nouveau style’s emphasis on dynamic lines and organic forms.
