White Nights 1922

"White Nights" is a woodcut by Russian artist Mstislav Dobuzhinsky, created in 1922. The artwork depicts a city scene with simplified, geometric shapes and strong contrasts of light and dark. The stark black and white tones highlight the architecture and the lone figure in the foreground. The composition emphasizes the buildings and streets, creating a sense of urban isolation and a focus on the figure in shadow. This artwork captures the unique atmosphere of the "white nights" phenomenon in Saint Petersburg, Russia, a time when the sun sets late and the sky remains illuminated for hours after sunset. Dobuzhinsky's work is known for its expressive lines and the use of woodcut, a printing technique that adds a unique texture to the artwork.