View of Chernihiv, Ukraine 

Mstislav Dobuzhinsky created this watercolour painting titled 'View of Chernihiv, Ukraine'. Look at how the architecture of the city in the artwork depicts the city as a nexus of social relations. Dobuzhinsky creates meaning here by contrasting vernacular, wooden structures with the grander stone buildings in the background. The artist was active in Russia at the turn of the twentieth century, a period that saw widespread social and political upheaval. How might this image, and others like it, be read as reflecting on the rapid changes experienced by Russian society at this time? Dobuzhinsky was a member of the 'World of Art' movement. The group were interested in preserving traditional Russian art and culture but also in engaging with contemporary European trends. Researching the history of urban development in Russia, as well as the cultural politics of the 'World of Art' movement can help us better understand this evocative image of Chernihiv.