Pantokratoros (sketch) Roerich N.K. (Part 1)

The composition presents a central figure seated upon a throne, dominating the visual field. He is depicted with a long beard and hair, rendered in dark tones that contrast sharply with the lighter hues of his garments. The posture suggests authority and dominion; one hand gestures towards the viewer, while the other rests on what appears to be a tablet or book. A halo encircles his head, signifying divinity.
Flanking the central figure are two smaller figures, positioned symmetrically on either side. They wear elaborate robes patterned with geometric designs in red and brown, holding scrolls that extend outwards. Their faces are partially obscured by their beards, lending them an air of solemnity or perhaps anonymity. Above them, a small vignette shows another figure within a cloud formation; this secondary scene appears to depict a blessing or benediction.
The background is rendered in dark browns and ochres, creating a sense of depth and emphasizing the luminosity emanating from the central figure and his halo. The use of gold highlights around the edges of the composition suggests an attempt at grandeur, though the sketch-like quality of the execution reveals a preliminary stage of artistic development.
The subtexts within this work seem to revolve around themes of divine judgment and revelation. The seated posture and gesture of the central figure imply a role as judge or teacher, while the tablet he holds likely represents law or scripture. The flanking figures with their scrolls could symbolize prophets or witnesses, reinforcing the idea of divine pronouncements. The vignette above introduces an element of heavenly intervention or grace.
The unfinished nature of the work – the visible sketch lines and somewhat crude rendering – suggests a study for a larger, more elaborate piece. It offers insight into the artist’s process of conceptualization and execution, revealing how these iconic figures were initially conceived before being fully realized in a final version.