City 1907

Nicholas Roerich made this gouache called 'City' on cardboard in Russia. See how the painting has emerged as if through layers of mist, with its cool, muted tones. I imagine Roerich hunched over this little painting, searching and finding these medieval buildings in a dream-like cityscape. The paint application is thin, almost translucent in areas, which gives the work an ethereal quality. It's as if Roerich is not just depicting a city, but also evoking a feeling, a memory of a place half-remembered. Notice the bold outlines defining the architectural shapes, giving a graphic quality that flattens the perspective. Roerich’s work chimes with painters like Giorgio de Chirico, who conjure strange urban spaces. But it's also completely unique. You can sense the artist's curiosity, his playful exploration of form and color. It is a dialogue between what is seen and what is imagined.