Sketch for the painting "Daughters of Earth" (sketch for the painting "Sons of Heaven") Roerich N.K. (Part 2)

The sketch presents a complex composition dominated by figures arranged in layered planes and imbued with a sense of symbolic weight. Here we see a group of individuals seemingly ascending or emerging from a dark, cavernous space on the right side of the frame. Their forms are stylized, elongated, and rendered in warm tones – ochre, russet, and burnt orange – suggesting an earthy connection. They appear to be reaching upwards, their gestures conveying aspiration or perhaps supplication.
Above this group, another set of figures is depicted against a backdrop of swirling pinks and creams. These individuals are more ethereal in appearance, seemingly detached from the grounded quality of those below. Their forms are less defined, blending into the atmospheric background, which evokes a sense of celestial space or spiritual realm. The artist employed broad brushstrokes and washes to create this effect, softening edges and contributing to an overall dreamlike quality.
The color palette is significant. The earth tones used for the lower figures contrast with the lighter, more vibrant hues above, reinforcing a visual hierarchy that suggests a transition from the terrestrial to the divine. The dark void on the right side of the composition acts as both a point of origin and a symbolic barrier, hinting at an unknown or challenging journey.
The sketch’s compositional structure implies a narrative – a movement upwards, a striving for something beyond the immediate reality. It is possible that this upward trajectory represents spiritual enlightenment, societal progress, or perhaps even a yearning for transcendence. The ambiguity inherent in the figures expressions and gestures allows for multiple interpretations; they are not presented as definitive symbols but rather as archetypes embodying universal human desires.
The sketch’s unfinished quality – the visible brushstrokes, the lack of precise detail – adds to its evocative power. It feels like a moment captured during the creative process, offering a glimpse into the artists initial conception and allowing for a more intimate connection with the works underlying themes.