The artwork “Uglich. Porch.” is a creation by the artist Nicholas Roerich, dated to the year 1904. Roerich’s piece belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and is categorized as a cityscape. It is part of a series named “Sketches from travels in old Russian cities,” which captures the essence and architectural beauty of Russia’s historic urban spaces.
In the artwork, the viewer is presented with a portrayal of a shaded archway and porch, an architectural detail that seems to stem from an older Russian city. The color palette is rich in earthy tones, with a dominance of ochre and brown hues that suggest the patina of age on the buildings’ facades. The portrayal is stylized, with a simplification of forms that lean towards the influences of Art Nouveau—rounded forms and decorative elements are visible within the arches and the balusters lining an elevated walkway. Light and shadow are contrasting strongly, highlighting the shapes of the domed structures and recesses within the arches. This work epitomizes Roerich’s attention to the historic and aesthetic significance of Russia’s architectural heritage.
