To collect tribute (sketch) Roerich N.K. (Part 1)

The composition presents a densely populated settlement situated atop a prominent elevation. The artist has rendered the scene with a distinct lack of perspectival depth; buildings and figures appear flattened against the plane, contributing to a sense of compression and immediacy. A dominant green hue pervades much of the landscape, punctuated by patches of blue and ochre that suggest both water and architectural details.
The settlement itself seems organized around a central structure, possibly a fortified building or administrative center, which rises above the surrounding dwellings. Small figures are scattered throughout the scene, some seemingly engaged in activity near the base of the elevation while others appear to be clustered within the buildings themselves. Their scale relative to the architecture reinforces the impression of an imposing and hierarchical social order.
The treatment of light is noteworthy; it appears diffused and even, casting minimal shadows and obscuring any clear sense of time of day. This contributes to a somewhat dreamlike or symbolic quality. The brushwork is loose and expressive, with visible strokes that emphasize texture and movement rather than precise detail.
Subtexts within the work suggest themes of power and subjugation. The elevated position of the settlement implies dominance over the surrounding territory, while the presence of numerous figures suggests a population subject to some form of authority or control – the title hints at this dynamic. The lack of individualization in the depiction of the people further reinforces the idea of collective identity under duress. The overall effect is one of quiet oppression and resignation, conveyed through a restrained palette and a deliberate flattening of spatial relationships.