Mikula Selyaninovich (decorative panels) Roerich N.K. (Part 2)

The composition presents a panoramic view dominated by a vast landscape receding into atmospheric perspective. A figure, seemingly male, stands adjacent to a large equine creature on what appears to be a rocky outcrop in the foreground. The man is clad in flowing white garments, adorned with intricate patterns along the sleeves and hem, suggesting ceremonial or symbolic attire. His beard is long and unkempt, contributing to an overall impression of ruggedness and perhaps even wildness. He gazes forward, his posture conveying determination or a sense of purpose.
The horse, rendered in warm tones contrasting with the cool blues of the background, appears powerful and alert. Its stance suggests its poised for movement, ready to traverse the terrain ahead. The connection between the man and the animal is palpable; they are presented as partners, united in their journey across this expansive vista.
Behind them, a sweeping panorama unfolds. A river snakes through a valley, flanked by undulating hills rendered in varying shades of blue and grey. The sky above is layered with clouds, creating depth and contributing to the painting’s overall sense of grandeur. The color palette leans heavily on cool tones – blues, greys, and greens – which evoke a feeling of melancholy or perhaps vastness and solitude.
Subtly, theres an implication of folklore or mythology at play. The man’s attire and the presence of the horse suggest a narrative beyond the purely representational. He could be interpreted as a hero, a mythical figure, or a symbolic representation of strength and resilience in the face of nature’s power. The landscape itself seems to embody a sense of timelessness and tradition, hinting at a connection between the individual and a larger cultural heritage. The deliberate flatness of the perspective, while allowing for an expansive view, also contributes to a feeling of stylization, distancing the scene from strict realism and suggesting a symbolic or allegorical intent.