Paris. Calle Venice. 1927 Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin (1861-1939)

The canvas presents a nocturnal urban scene, dominated by a large building that rises vertically, its architecture suggesting a hotel or similar establishment. The structure is rendered in shades of green and pink, with illuminated windows puncturing the darkness, creating points of visual interest. A sign affixed to the facade is partially legible, hinting at commercial activity within.
Below this imposing edifice, a street scene unfolds. Figures are discernible amidst a blurred mass of pedestrians, their forms suggested rather than precisely defined. The presence of awnings and what appears to be a café or restaurant further establishes a sense of bustling urban life. A scattering of light sources illuminates the foreground, reflecting on the wet pavement, which contributes to an atmosphere of dampness and nocturnal activity.
The artist’s application of paint is loose and expressive; brushstrokes are visible, contributing to a feeling of immediacy and capturing the vibrancy of the scene. The color palette leans heavily towards greens and pinks, creating a somewhat dreamlike or stylized quality. This choice departs from a strictly realistic depiction, instead prioritizing mood and atmosphere.
The composition directs attention upwards toward the building, emphasizing its scale and presence within the cityscape. However, the inclusion of the street-level activity prevents the scene from feeling static; it suggests ongoing movement and human interaction. The overall effect is one of capturing a fleeting moment in an urban environment – a place both familiar and slightly mysterious under the cover of night. Theres a sense of melancholy or quiet observation embedded within the depiction, as if the artist were documenting not just what is seen but also the feeling of being present in this particular location at this specific time.