Proceedings Madonna # 124 sketch Madonna Laboris (Madonna Laboris) Roerich N.K. (Part 4)

The composition presents a figure positioned against a backdrop of stylized architecture and a distant cityscape. The central figure, presumably female given the head covering and flowing garments, is depicted in profile, engaged in what appears to be a craft or labor – she holds a spindle and thread, suggesting weaving or spinning. Her posture conveys a sense of focused activity, though her gaze is directed upwards, beyond the immediate scene.
The architectural elements dominating the foreground are rendered with simplified forms and flat planes of color. A high wall, punctuated by crenellations, establishes a visual barrier between the figure and the background. The wall’s reddish-brown hue contrasts sharply with the cool blues and purples that define the cityscape beyond. This contrast creates a sense of depth while also emphasizing the separation between the earthly realm (represented by the wall) and a more ethereal or spiritual space.
Below the wall, a small fire burns, casting an orange glow on the ground. The presence of this fire introduces a note of potential danger or transformation. It could symbolize purification through destruction, or perhaps represent the laborious nature of creation itself – the burning away of the old to make way for the new.
The cityscape in the distance is characterized by its flattened perspective and simplified forms. Buildings are reduced to geometric shapes, creating an almost dreamlike quality. The color palette here shifts towards cooler tones, further distancing it from the foreground and reinforcing a sense of otherworldliness. A single figure can be seen standing on one of the buildings, adding another layer of narrative ambiguity – is this a witness, a participant, or simply part of the landscape?
The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation and symbolic weight. The artist has eschewed naturalistic representation in favor of a more expressive style that prioritizes emotional resonance over precise detail. The work seems to explore themes of labor, spirituality, and the relationship between the individual and their environment, inviting viewers to consider the deeper meanings embedded within its stylized imagery.