The artwork titled “They Build the Ships,” created by Nicholas Roerich in 1903, exemplifies the characteristics of the Art Nouveau movement, also known as Modern. Categorized within the genre of cityscape, this piece is notable for its dynamic representation of shipbuilding activity.
The artwork vividly portrays a bustling shipyard scene, capturing the industrious spirit of the workers engaged in constructing vessels. Characterized by thick, expressive brushstrokes and a vibrant palette of colors such as blues, yellows, and browns, the composition emphasizes movement and energy. The ships, at various stages of construction, dominate the scene, with their wooden structures highlighted against a backdrop that suggests a lively interplay of light and shadow. The inclusion of human figures, albeit in an abstracted manner, provides a sense of scale and communal effort. The painter’s style reflects the Art Nouveau emphasis on flowing lines and natural forms, bringing a rhythmic quality to the depiction of this industrious landscape.
