“Reminiscence of Ravenna,” an etching on paper by El Lissitzky, created in 1914, is part of the Cubo-Futurism art movement and falls within the genre of symbolic painting. Measuring 32.8 x 36.5 cm, the artwork is currently housed in a private collection.
The artwork depicts an architectural vista reminiscent of Ravenna, Italy, characterized by a complex arrangement of buildings with a central structure that commands the viewer’s attention. The central building, which appears to be a church or basilica, is rendered with intricate details and surrounded by multiple architectural forms, including towers and arches. The etching evokes a sense of historical and cultural grandeur, as well as a symbolic representation of the city’s storied past. The style and composition are indicative of the Cubo-Futurist movement, blending geometric forms with a dynamic sense of perspective. The upper portion features a celestial figure with wings, holding a banner that reads “Ravenna,” adding a mystical and historical resonance to the piece.
