The battle with the dragon (curtain sketch?) Roerich N.K. (Part 2)

Here we observe a densely populated scene unfolding against a deep blue background, suggestive of a nocturnal setting or perhaps a symbolic realm beyond the everyday. The composition is dominated by a central narrative involving a confrontation between human and monstrous figures. A large, formidable dragon, rendered in shades of red and orange, occupies a prominent position, its form both menacing and strangely stylized. It appears to be engaged in combat with a mounted warrior, whose posture suggests struggle rather than decisive victory.
Surrounding this core event is a profusion of other creatures – birds, deer, lions, and various fantastical beings – all interwoven within a landscape that blends naturalistic elements with decorative patterns. The vegetation seems both lush and somewhat artificial, contributing to the overall sense of an allegorical space. A small figure, seemingly a woman or child, stands beneath what appears to be a protective structure in the foreground; her presence introduces a note of vulnerability and perhaps represents a symbolic reward or consequence related to the battle taking place above.
The color palette is striking: the intense reds and oranges contrast sharply with the cool blue backdrop, creating visual dynamism and emphasizing the drama of the central conflict. The use of flat planes and simplified forms lends the work a distinctly decorative quality, reminiscent of medieval tapestries or illuminated manuscripts. This stylistic approach prioritizes narrative clarity over realistic representation.
Subtexts within this scene are likely rooted in traditional mythology and folklore. The dragon motif frequently symbolizes chaos, evil, or a challenge to be overcome. The warrior’s struggle can be interpreted as representing the triumph of good over evil, or perhaps the ongoing battle against internal demons. The figure sheltered below may embody innocence, virtue, or the potential for renewal that arises from conflict. The abundance of animal imagery suggests a connection to primal forces and the natural world, while the decorative borders reinforce the sense of this work being part of a larger symbolic framework – perhaps intended as a visual curtain or backdrop for a theatrical performance.