Veche in the Pskov Kremlin. Sketch of the scenery for the opera by N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov Woman of Pskov Alexander Golovin (1863-1930)

The composition presents a view of a fortified structure, likely intended as a backdrop for a theatrical production. The architecture is characterized by robust walls and several onion-domed towers that dominate the skyline. These towers are rendered with a simplified geometry, their forms reduced to essential shapes. A sense of depth is established through the receding planes of the fortifications, though this effect is somewhat flattened by the application of color.
The artist employed a palette dominated by warm ochres and yellows for the walls, contrasted against patches of blue and turquoise in the sky and on shadowed areas of the structure. This juxtaposition creates visual tension and contributes to an overall impression of heightened emotional intensity. The brushwork appears loose and expressive, with visible strokes that suggest a rapid execution – consistent with its function as a sketch or preliminary design.
A crowd of figures is discernible at the base of the walls, though they are depicted in a generalized manner, appearing more as a mass than individual entities. Their presence suggests a public gathering, reinforcing the idea of a significant event unfolding within this setting. The darkness surrounding the central scene draws attention to the illuminated architecture and the assembled people, creating a dramatic spotlight effect.
The work conveys an atmosphere of solemnity and historical weight. The simplified forms and expressive color choices evoke a sense of timelessness, suggesting that the depicted scene transcends its immediate context as part of an opera production. It hints at themes of community, tradition, and perhaps even oppression or confinement, given the imposing nature of the fortifications. The sketch’s purpose – to serve as scenery – is secondary to the emotional impact it generates through color and form; it is a study in mood rather than precise architectural representation.