Scenery sketch for Alexander Koreshchenko’s opera The Ice House Alexander Golovin (1863-1930)

The drawing presents a theatrical backdrop, seemingly intended for an operatic production. Here we observe a grand architectural facade rendered in broad, expressive brushstrokes. The structure is dominated by repetitive arched windows and a central doorway, all framed within a lavishly ornamented cornice. A warm terracotta hue defines the walls, contrasting with the stark white of the architectural details.
The composition’s strength lies in its deliberate simplification. Fine detail has been eschewed; instead, the artist prioritizes conveying an impression of scale and opulence through bold shapes and color blocking. The windows appear as dark voids, suggesting depth but also a sense of enclosure or confinement – a potential visual cue relevant to the operas narrative, The Ice House.
The floor reflects the architectural elements above, creating a distorted mirror image that further emphasizes the building’s grandeur while simultaneously introducing an unsettling quality. The reflections are not precise; they appear fractured and somewhat chaotic, hinting at instability or illusion. This distortion could symbolize the deceptive nature of appearances or the fragility of the structure itself.
The surrounding black void isolates the architectural scene, intensifying its presence and creating a sense of dramatic isolation. It suggests that this building exists within a larger, undefined space – perhaps a metaphorical realm rather than a literal location. The sketch’s purpose as a preliminary design for an opera is evident in its focus on establishing mood and atmosphere over precise realism. The artist seems less concerned with architectural accuracy and more interested in conveying the psychological weight of the setting.

The overall effect is one of imposing beauty tinged with melancholy, suggesting a place of both splendor and potential imprisonment – themes that likely resonate within the narrative context of The Ice House.