The artwork “San Gimignano,” rendered by Nicholas Roerich in 1906, is a cityscape masterpiece created using pastel on cardboard. This piece, belonging to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement, measures 47.5 x 47.5 cm and is currently housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork portrays a section of the historic town of San Gimignano, renowned for its medieval architecture and tower houses. The visual is imbued with a serene, almost dreamy atmosphere, characterized by the use of soft pastel hues that impart a tranquil quality. Dominated by tall stone structures set against a pale sky, the scene captures the timeless and enduring essence of the town. The buildings display a rustic charm with their aged stone walls and modest embellishments. The thoughtful use of color and light by Roerich evokes a sense of nostalgia and reverence for the timeless beauty of San Gimignano.
