Tibet # 136 (in the moonlight. Ladakh. Khardong) Roerich N.K. (Part 6)

The artwork presents a stark and imposing mountain range bathed in what appears to be moonlight. The dominant color is a deep, cool blue, which permeates both the sky and the lower slopes of the mountains, creating a sense of vastness and isolation. The peaks themselves are rendered in shades of white and pale yellow, sharply contrasting with the surrounding darkness. This contrast draws immediate attention to their height and form.
Here we see a deliberate simplification of natural forms; the mountains are not depicted with intricate detail but rather as monumental shapes defined by clean lines and broad planes of color. The artist has eschewed any sense of atmospheric perspective, flattening the space and emphasizing the sheer scale of the landscape. This lack of depth contributes to an almost dreamlike quality, suggesting a place beyond immediate reality.
The lower portion of the composition is characterized by horizontal bands of blue, which could represent foothills or perhaps a layer of mist obscuring the base of the mountains. These bands further reinforce the sense of distance and immensity. The signature in the bottom left corner is small and understated, allowing the landscape to remain the primary focus.
Subtly, the painting evokes feelings of awe and reverence for natures power. The monochromatic palette and simplified forms suggest a spiritual or meditative quality; it’s not merely a representation of a place but an attempt to convey its essence. The moonlight, while providing illumination, also casts long shadows, hinting at mystery and perhaps even a touch of melancholy. The absence of any human presence reinforces the feeling of solitude and the overwhelming dominance of the natural world. The work seems less concerned with topographical accuracy than with capturing a mood or an emotional response to this remote and majestic environment.