The Himalayas # 113 The color of the snow Roerich N.K. (Part 4)

Here we observe a horizontal composition dominated by a range of mountains rendered in a stylized and abstracted manner. The artist has employed a palette primarily consisting of blues, yellows, and whites, creating a luminous effect suggestive of sunlight reflecting off snow-covered peaks. A band of pale yellow occupies the upper portion of the canvas, likely representing the sky or atmospheric haze. Below this, the mountain range rises in layered planes, each delineated with distinct color blocks rather than precise lines.
The mountains themselves are not depicted realistically; their forms are simplified and geometric, almost resembling cut-out shapes arranged to suggest a vast landscape. The use of blue tones in the lower portions of the range creates a sense of depth and shadow, while the yellows and whites highlight the upper reaches, implying illumination from above. There is an absence of detail – no vegetation, rock formations, or signs of human presence are visible. This lack of specific features contributes to a feeling of universality; these mountains could represent any high-altitude range, emphasizing their grandeur rather than their particularity.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of scale and the sublime. The sheer size implied by the towering mountain range evokes awe and a sense of human insignificance in comparison to natures power. The abstracted style distances the viewer from a literal representation, encouraging contemplation on the essence of these landscapes rather than their concrete appearance. The color choices – particularly the interplay between cool blues and warm yellows – suggest not just visual beauty but also an emotional response; perhaps a feeling of tranquility mixed with a sense of vastness and mystery.
The surrounding black void further isolates the mountain range, intensifying its presence and emphasizing its independence from any immediate context. This framing device contributes to the overall impression of a monumental, almost spiritual experience.