The artwork, titled “In a foreign bank,” was created by Nicholas Roerich around 1894. This piece belongs to the Realism art movement and is categorized under the genre of sketch and study.
In the artwork, a basic and rough composition is depicted in the form of a sketch. The scene features what appears to be figures engaged in work or interaction near tall poles, possibly depicting an outdoor environment with elements suggesting a foreign or distant land. The overall execution of the piece captures a dynamic and perhaps transient moment, emphasizing Roerich’s ability to convey a sense of movement and purpose through minimal yet evocative lines and shading techniques. The sketch carries an unfinished quality, marked by sparse detailing and unrefined strokes, which adds to its character as an exploratory study.