The artwork is titled “Study to ‘Conquest of Kazan’,” and it was created by the artist Nicholas Roerich around the year 1915. It belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and is classified as a sketch and study.
The artwork, rendered in pencil, showcases an initial study for a larger piece, reflecting the preparations for depicting the historical event of the Conquest of Kazan. The sketch reveals a relatively rough composition, featuring shapes and forms that outline the topography, structures, and human figures that might appear in the final work. The upper portion of the artwork is dominated by clouds, suggesting a dramatic sky that overlooks a complex and dense landscape, indicative of both natural and man-made elements. The lower part seems to hint at chaotic human activity, perhaps preparatory scenes of battle or conquest. Despite its sketch-like nature, the artwork hints at an organized approach to the composition, balancing elaborate architectural elements and dynamic human interactions.
