Lesovik. The fright. Miracle forestry Roerich N.K. (Part 1)

The drawing presents a dense cluster of tree trunks, rendered in a style that emphasizes texture and form over precise botanical accuracy. The artist employed a limited palette – primarily ochre, brown, grey, and touches of green – creating a muted, earthy tonality. Light appears to emanate from an unseen source, highlighting the rough bark and casting deep shadows within the composition.
The arrangement of the trunks is not straightforward; they intertwine and overlap, generating a sense of claustrophobia and complexity. The viewer’s eye struggles to find a clear focal point, instead being drawn into the labyrinthine network of wood grain and branching forms. Theres an intentional lack of spatial depth; the background appears as a flat plane, further intensifying the feeling of enclosure.
The inscription at the top, Lesovik. Kikimora, introduces folkloric elements. Lesovik is a Slavic forest spirit, often depicted as a guardian or trickster, while Kikimora is a female house spirit associated with mischief and misfortune. The presence of these names suggests that the drawing isnt merely an observation of trees but rather an attempt to evoke a specific atmosphere – one imbued with mystery and perhaps a touch of apprehension.
The inscription at the bottom, Miracle forestry, adds another layer of interpretation. It implies a sense of wonder and reverence for the forest, contrasting with the potentially unsettling presence of the spirits mentioned above. The word “miracle” suggests that the scene is not simply natural but possesses an almost supernatural quality.
Ultimately, the drawing seems to explore the relationship between humanity and nature, specifically focusing on the power and ambiguity of the forest. It’s a depiction less concerned with realism than with conveying a feeling – one of being immersed in a place both beautiful and potentially threatening, where ancient spirits linger within the wood.