Perm iconostasis. Marian feast days. Assumption Roerich N.K. (Part 1)

The composition presents a coastal landscape dominated by three large rock formations rising from the waters edge. These masses appear almost monolithic, their surfaces textured with indications of erosion and weathering. The artist employed a limited palette – primarily muted blues, greens, browns, and grays – to convey a sense of somberness and stillness.
The foreground is defined by a rocky outcrop that descends towards the water, where gentle waves break against its base. These waves are rendered with short, choppy brushstrokes, suggesting movement while maintaining an overall feeling of tranquility. Behind this immediate shoreline, the three rock formations command attention. Their rounded forms contrast with the more jagged lines of the foreground rocks and the distant hills.
Beyond the central rock structures, a stretch of land rises gradually towards a horizon line punctuated by low-lying hills. These hills are depicted in a simplified manner, their contours softened to create atmospheric perspective. The sky is not explicitly visible; instead, it merges with the water, creating an ambiguous boundary between earth and heaven.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of natures enduring power and humanitys place within it. The monumental scale of the rock formations suggests a timelessness that dwarfs human concerns. The muted color scheme and subdued lighting contribute to a contemplative mood, inviting introspection on the relationship between the individual and the natural world. There is an absence of human presence, reinforcing the sense of isolation and emphasizing the grandeur of the landscape. The composition’s balance – the symmetrical arrangement of the rock formations and the gradual recession of the land – suggests harmony and stability within this seemingly austere environment.