Study of skull (1894) by Nicholas Roerich

The artwork, “Study of skull,” created by the artist Nicholas Roerich in 1894, is an oil painting on canvas representing the Realism art movement and classified under the genre of sketch and study.

In the artwork, a human skull is meticulously depicted against a somber background. The skull is illustrated with a high degree of realism, emphasizing its texture and form. Subtle lighting highlights the contours and cavities of the skull, drawing attention to the intricate details of the bone structure. The dark, indistinct backdrop contrasts with the pale skull, enhancing its prominence. Minor elements, such as what appears to be an oval shape on the bottom right, contribute to the composition’s overall depth and realism. The brushstrokes are visibly detailed, characteristic of an artistic study focusing on anatomical accuracy.

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