Issa and head Velikanova (sketch) # 83 (sketch for the painting "Issa and head Velikanova") Roerich N.K. (Part 3)

The drawing presents a stark juxtaposition of life and death, rendered in muted earth tones with a deliberate lack of detail that emphasizes form over realism. A human skull dominates the left side of the composition, its features meticulously outlined, suggesting a focus on mortality and decay. The skull’s placement is not centered; it intrudes into the space occupied by another figure, creating an immediate sense of tension.
To the right of the skull stands a person, their form elongated and somewhat stylized. They are draped in what appears to be a simple garment, obscuring any specific details about their physique or gender. A halo-like outline encircles their head, hinting at a spiritual or elevated status, though its ambiguity prevents definitive interpretation. The figure’s posture is upright but slightly stooped, conveying a sense of introspection or perhaps resignation.
The background consists of roughly sketched rock formations, contributing to the overall feeling of confinement and isolation. These forms are not rendered with precision; instead, they serve as a backdrop that reinforces the somber mood. The artist employed shading techniques to create depth and volume, particularly around the skull and the figures form, but the lack of strong contrasts maintains a sense of quietude.
Subtextually, the drawing seems to explore themes of mortality, spirituality, and perhaps even contemplation on the transient nature of existence. The presence of the skull immediately evokes thoughts about death and impermanence, while the figure’s haloed head suggests a search for meaning or transcendence in the face of this reality. The interaction between these two elements – the tangible symbol of decay and the ethereal representation of something beyond – creates a complex dialogue that invites reflection on the human condition. It is likely intended as a preliminary study for a larger work, with the sketch’s simplicity serving to establish the core symbolic relationship before further elaboration.