Cassis. The roofs of the city Zinaida Serebryakova (1884-1967)

The composition presents a view of a densely packed urban landscape, seemingly a Mediterranean town nestled within rolling hills. The perspective is elevated, affording a panoramic vista that emphasizes the layered arrangement of buildings and rooftops. A dominant feature is the profusion of terracotta tile roofs, which create a textured surface across the middle ground of the painting. These roofs are rendered with varying degrees of light and shadow, suggesting the uneven terrain upon which they rest and contributing to a sense of depth.
The architecture appears largely vernacular; theres little indication of grand or monumental structures beyond what seems to be a church tower rising above the other buildings. The tower is topped by a cross, providing a vertical anchor within the horizontal sprawl of the town. Vegetation – trees and palms – are interspersed among the buildings, softening the harshness of the built environment and hinting at the integration of nature into urban life.
The color palette is restrained, primarily consisting of earth tones – ochres, browns, siennas – punctuated by patches of white stucco on the building facades. The sky above is overcast, lending a muted quality to the light and contributing to an overall atmosphere of quiet contemplation rather than vibrant activity.
A key element in understanding this work lies in its treatment of form. Edges are blurred, outlines softened; theres a deliberate avoidance of sharp definition. This technique lends a sense of atmospheric perspective, where distant objects appear less distinct due to the intervening air. The brushwork is visible, contributing to an impression of spontaneity and immediacy.
Subtly, the painting conveys a feeling of timelessness. The architecture seems untouched by modernity; it evokes a sense of history and tradition. The subdued lighting and lack of human figures further reinforce this impression, suggesting that the scene exists outside of specific time or narrative. It is not merely a depiction of a place but rather an exploration of atmosphere, light, and the enduring character of a community rooted in its landscape. The absence of overt symbolism allows for a quiet, meditative engagement with the subject matter, inviting viewers to project their own interpretations onto the scene.