A scenic design by Konstantin Korovin depicting the interior of a large military tent. This work features bold brushwork and a warm colour palette of ochre and red.

Konstantin Korovin was a leading figure in Russian Impressionism and a prolific designer for the theatre. This work depicts a military tent for the character Mato, created as a set design for the opera Salammbô. The composition uses a series of vertical columns to define the interior space of the tent. These pillars support a draped ceiling made of heavy fabric panels. The colour palette is dominated by earthy ochres, deep reds, and cool greys. Korovin applies paint with broad, gestural strokes that suggest form rather than defining it with precise lines. In the background, a warm orange light suggests a sunset or the glow of fires against a stone wall. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of volume within the temporary structure. Korovin moved away from the traditional flat backdrops of nineteenth-century theatre. He preferred to create three-dimensional environments that integrated the actors into the scene. This sketch shows his interest in the atmospheric qualities of a space. The loose handling of the gouache reflects his impressionist training. It captures the weight of the canvas and the scale of the encampment.