The artwork “Punkaharju,” created by Nicholas Roerich in 1907, is a fine example of the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. Executed with pastel and pencil on paper, this landscape piece measures 46.5 x 46.5 cm and is housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork presents a serene natural scene dominated by a softly flowing water body bordered by lush, verdant vegetation. The tall, slender trees stretch upwards, their trunks reflected in the gentle ripples of the water below. The landscape is infused with a harmonious palette of greens and earthy browns, punctuated by the pale expanse of the water and the distant, rolling hills. The meticulous use of pastel and pencil crafts a texturally rich surface, emphasizing the tranquil yet lively interplay between land and water. The composition’s gentle curves and organic forms are characteristic of the Art Nouveau style, which sought to harmonize art with the natural beauty of the environment.
