Novaya square 1805

Fyodor Alekseyev made this watercolor painting, Novaya Square, in Russia, but the exact date is unknown. Observe how the watercolor medium allows for a delicate rendering of the architectural forms, capturing the subtle variations in light and shadow across the square. Alekseyev uses thin washes to create a sense of atmospheric perspective, with the buildings in the distance appearing softer and less defined. The layering of colors and the controlled application of water have imbued the artwork with a sense of depth and realism. It’s interesting to think about Alekseyev's mastery of watercolor as a skilled tradition. Watercolor was employed for topographical and architectural studies, alongside fine art practices. The precision and detail evident in this painting suggest Alekseyev's training in both artistic techniques and architectural representation. Considering the wider social issues, the painting invites us to reflect on the relationship between artistic skill, labor, and the representation of urban space in 18th-century Russia. It challenges distinctions between fine art and craft.