The artwork, titled “Socrates,” was created by Nicholas Roerich in the year 1893. It belongs to the Realism art movement and is categorized within the genre of still life.
The artwork presents a meticulously detailed drawing of a bust of the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates. Rendered in a monochromatic palette, it showcases the sculpted, robust features and thoughtful expression that are often associated with depictions of Socrates. The background is subtly shaded, allowing the bust to stand out prominently, thus directing the viewer’s attention solely to the intricacies of the sculpture. The artist’s signature and the title “Socrates” are inscribed towards the bottom of the artwork, emphasizing its solemn and scholarly subject matter. The piece exemplifies the Realism movement’s dedication to lifelike representation and attention to detail.