Book Pigeon (sketch mural) # 21 (book of Doves) Roerich N.K. (Part 3)

The composition presents a striking juxtaposition of scale and symbolism. A monumental open book dominates the foreground, its pages rendered in a textured, almost geological manner, suggesting immense age and weight. Figures are positioned upon this oversized volume, appearing diminutive against its bulk. They seem engaged in some form of ritual or contemplation; one leans on a lectern, while another stands with hands clasped, both facing towards a distant architectural structure. Their attire suggests historical or religious significance, though specific identification is elusive.
Behind the book rises an elaborate cityscape, characterized by numerous towers and domes reminiscent of Byzantine or Eastern European architecture. The buildings are depicted in a stylized manner, their forms simplified and flattened, contributing to a dreamlike quality. A dramatic sky with swirling clouds adds to the overall sense of unreality. Several birds – likely doves – are visible ascending from behind the city, further enriching the symbolic content.
The subtexts within this work appear layered and potentially allusive. The oversized book likely represents knowledge, faith, or perhaps a historical narrative – its sheer size emphasizing its importance. The figures upon it could be interpreted as scholars, priests, or pilgrims seeking enlightenment or guidance from the source of wisdom embodied by the book. The distant city, with its religious structures, might symbolize a spiritual ideal or a lost civilization. The doves ascending into the sky are commonly associated with peace, hope, and divine inspiration.
The artist’s choice to render the scene in this manner – combining monumental scale with stylized forms and symbolic imagery – creates an atmosphere of reverence and mystery. It is not merely a depiction of a place or event but rather a visual meditation on themes of faith, knowledge, and aspiration. The color palette, dominated by earthy tones punctuated by flashes of gold and blue, reinforces the sense of antiquity and spiritual significance.