Pskov 1922

Nicholas Roerich created "Pskov" using pastels, a medium that blurs the line between drawing and painting. Look at the granular texture, achieved by layering dry pigment. It is an immediate way of working, compared to grinding and mixing oil paints. Roerich's choice of pastels gives the artwork its hazy atmosphere. See how the light seems to emanate from within the buildings themselves, almost like they're glowing. This dreamlike quality aligns with his interest in spiritual themes, and the weight of Russian history. Consider what it means to depict architecture with a medium that’s so delicate. The architecture becomes less about physical structure, and more about capturing a mood. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we can move beyond the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft. Instead, we begin to understand the full meaning of an artwork.