The artwork, titled “Sketch of galley,” was created in 1919 by the artist Nicholas Roerich. It belongs to the Symbolism art movement and falls under the genre of sketch and study.
The artwork depicts a roughly sketched galley, rendered with minimalistic lines. The central focus is a sailing vessel, characterized by a prominently curved sail anchored to a mast. The vessel’s structure reveals exaggerated and symbolic elements, such as architectural edifices and figures perched upon the ship, hinting at a fusion of nautical and terrestrial symbolism. Above the galley, an ethereal figure is sketched, adding a mystical dimension to the piece. The entire composition is sparse and interpretive, reflecting the Symbolist art movement’s affinity for imbuing ordinary scenes with deeper, often spiritual, meanings.
