Stari Sedrvan 1913

Nadezda Petrovic made Stari Sedrvan with oil on canvas, and right away you can see how her brushwork and the thickness of her paint build up the scene. This isn't just about representing a place; it's about how the paint itself creates the atmosphere. Look at the texture – the way Petrovic layers strokes to suggest the rough surfaces of buildings and cobblestones. The physical properties of the oil paint, its viscosity and color, play a crucial role here. We get a sense of the labor involved, the repetitive gestures of applying paint to build up the image. Petrovic was part of a generation of artists engaging with modernist styles, pushing the boundaries of traditional painting. But she also maintained a connection to her cultural heritage and identity. By bringing this kind of expressionistic treatment to a familiar scene, she elevated the everyday. Understanding how artists manipulate materials and engage with their surroundings is key to appreciating their work.