The artwork “Putivl,” crafted by Nicholas Roerich in 1914, employs cardboard and tempera as its medium. It is a notable piece within the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and is categorized under the genre of design.
The artwork captures a vivid and imaginative architectural scene, characterized by large, intricately designed buildings with a distinctly medieval aesthetic. Dominating the composition is a grand, domed structure with a prominently detailed façade. Surrounding it, smaller edifices, depicted in various muted hues, create a harmonious, yet complex, cityscape. In the foreground, diminutive figures, possibly soldiers with shields, add a sense of narrative and scale. Above, the sky is rendered in warm, golden tones with stylized clouds, contributing to the ethereal and somewhat otherworldly atmosphere of the piece. The artwork exemplifies Roerich’s skill in blending evocative storytelling with decorative artistry.
