The artwork, titled “Smolensk. The Porch of the Convent,” was created by Nicholas Roerich in 1903. It belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and falls under the genre of cityscape. This particular piece is part of the “Sketches from Travels in Old Russian Cities” series and is currently housed in the State Museum of Oriental Art in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork depicts a serene and rustic architectural scene, capturing the porch of a convent in Smolensk. The structure is characterized by its solid pillars and robust construction, reflecting a sense of historical grandeur. The muted color palette and light brushstrokes convey a calm and contemplative atmosphere, typical of Roerich’s work. The attention to architectural detail and the careful portrayal of light and shadow demonstrate the artist’s skill in rendering scenes from his travels through old Russian cities.