A striking black and white woodcut by Anna Ostroumova-Lebedeva, capturing the architectural form of the Novosilviysky Bridge framed by willow trees.

Anna Ostroumova-Lebedeva was a central figure in the revival of the woodcut technique in early twentieth-century Russian art. This print depicts the Novosilviysky Bridge, a subject that reflects her deep connection to the architectural and natural character of Saint Petersburg. Her approach to the woodcut medium relies on a stark contrast between black ink and white paper, eschewing tonal gradients in favour of bold, graphic clarity. The composition is structured around the sweeping, organic forms of the willow trees, which frame the stone arch of the bridge. Ostroumova-Lebedeva uses rhythmic, vertical hatching to suggest the texture of the tree trunks and the reflection of the bridge in the water below. The foliage is rendered with a stylised, calligraphic quality that balances the weight of the solid black masses with the negative space of the sky and path. This work demonstrates her ability to distil a complex scene into its essential geometric and linear components. As a member of the Mir Iskusstva (World of Art) circle, Ostroumova-Lebedeva contributed to a broader aesthetic shift that looked back to classical traditions while embracing modern graphic sensibilities. Her prints are noted for their technical precision and their capacity to capture the specific atmosphere of the city. By focusing on the interplay of light and shadow, she creates a sense of stillness that defines much of her graphic output. This print serves as an example of her mastery over the woodblock, where every cut is deliberate and serves the overall balance of the image. The absence of colour forces the viewer to engage directly with the strength of her line work and the deliberate arrangement of shapes across the frame.