Dzhelap La, Tibet boundary # 223 (Dzhelepov la. Tibet boundary) Roerich N.K. (Part 4)

The composition presents a layered landscape dominated by mountainous terrain. A dark, horizontal band occupies the lower portion of the canvas, acting as a visual base and creating a sense of depth. Above this, a series of undulating hills are rendered in shades of blue, progressively lighter towards the center of the scene. These forms appear almost abstract, their contours softened and simplified.
The central focus lies on two prominent peaks that rise sharply from behind the middle range of hills. They are depicted with a stark contrast – brilliant white against a muted grey-blue sky. The light striking these summits suggests an intense illumination, possibly indicative of early morning or late afternoon sun. This highlights their imposing presence and creates a focal point for the viewer’s eye.
The color palette is restrained, relying primarily on blues, browns, and whites. The limited range contributes to a feeling of remoteness and austerity, evoking the harshness of a high-altitude environment. The application of paint appears deliberate, with broad strokes that emphasize form rather than detail. This technique lends a certain flatness to the image, diminishing any sense of atmospheric perspective.
The painting conveys an impression of vastness and isolation. The stark simplicity of the forms and the limited color range suggest a contemplative mood, perhaps reflecting on the scale of nature and humanity’s place within it. The boundary implied in the title suggests a demarcation, a line separating spaces or cultures, but this is not explicitly represented visually; instead, the emphasis remains on the landscape itself – a silent witness to unseen divisions. The overall effect is one of quiet grandeur and an understated sense of melancholy.