The artwork, “Troki. Sketch of Troki Monastery,” created by Nicholas Roerich in 1903, is an oil painting on cardboard. Belonging to the Art Nouveau (Modern) and Realism movements, this cityscape piece measures 40.6 by 30.5 centimeters. It is part of Roerich’s series “Sketches from travels in old Russian cities.”
The artwork portrays a detailed and nuanced depiction of an arch of the Troki Monastery. The use of earthy tones and dynamic brushstrokes accentuates the architectural elements of the monastery, creating a sense of historical reverence and temporal depth. The partially illuminated background through the arch adds a contrast, evoking a sense of mystery and intrigue. The dense foliage emerging at the bottom hints at nature’s persistent encroachment upon human-made structures, symbolizing the passage of time.
