Figure on the poem by Alexander Pushkin "Feast of Peter the Great" Roerich N.K. (Part 1)

The artwork presents a maritime scene, seemingly depicting a naval engagement or celebratory display related to Peter the Greats reign. A prominent ship dominates the composition, its rigging and sails rendered with a deliberate roughness that suggests both scale and a certain immediacy. Several other vessels are visible in the background, partially obscured by mist or distance, contributing to a sense of depth and vastness within the scene.
The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing earth tones – ochre, brown, and grey – with touches of white used for highlights on the sails and water. This limited range contributes to an overall somber mood, though punctuated by bursts of brighter hues that might represent cannon fire or celebratory flags. The application of paint appears textured, with visible brushstrokes adding a tactile quality to the surface.
Along the left edge, vertically stacked Cyrillic characters are inscribed, likely excerpts from Alexander Pushkin’s poem Feast of Peter the Great. Their placement alongside the visual representation suggests an intentional connection between the text and the imagery; they serve as both context and perhaps commentary on the depicted events. The inscriptions prominence also draws attention to the literary source material, emphasizing its importance in understanding the work.
The composition is somewhat flattened, lacking a traditional perspective that would create a convincing illusion of three-dimensionality. This stylistic choice lends the scene an almost illustrative quality, reminiscent of medieval manuscript illuminations or folk art traditions. The artist seems less concerned with realistic representation and more interested in conveying a symbolic narrative – a moment frozen in time, imbued with historical significance and national pride.
Subtly, there’s a sense of controlled chaos within the composition. While the scene appears to depict an event of some magnitude, it is not presented as overwhelming or destructive. Instead, the artist seems to be capturing a specific moment – a snapshot of power, ambition, and perhaps even a touch of melancholy associated with Peters reforms and expansionist policies. The deliberate stylistic choices contribute to this feeling, creating a work that is both visually striking and intellectually engaging.