View of Mar Saba 1935

Konstantin Gorbatov's 1935 watercolor, "View of Mar Saba," depicts the iconic Orthodox monastery perched on the cliffs of the Kidron Valley near Jerusalem. The artist, known for his landscape paintings, captures the stark beauty of the surrounding landscape with loose brushstrokes and earthy tones. The imposing, fortified monastery is rendered in a yellow ochre hue, contrasting with the darker brown and gray of the rocky terrain. The composition emphasizes the monastery's imposing presence, highlighting its architectural details and its strategic location. This work is an example of Gorbatov's masterful use of watercolor to convey the essence of a landscape and the human presence within it.