Kardang. Album leaf # 55 Roerich N.K. (Part 4)

The drawing presents a landscape dominated by imposing geological formations and a cluster of structures nestled within them. The composition is structured around a series of receding planes, creating a sense of depth despite the relatively flattened perspective. A prominent mountain range rises in the background, its peaks rendered with a stark white that contrasts sharply against the warm ochre tones of the sky. These mountains are not depicted realistically; instead, they appear as simplified volumes, almost geometric in their form.
To the left, a steep slope descends, colored in shades of purple and brown, suggesting rock or earth. The artist has used broad strokes to define this area, emphasizing its texture and mass. A smaller, more distant mountain range is visible on the right side, echoing the forms of the larger peaks but rendered with even less detail.
Perched atop a plateau within the central mountains sits a complex of buildings. These structures are dark in color, appearing almost black against the lighter backdrop of the surrounding landscape. Their architecture seems rudimentary and functional, lacking ornamentation or elaborate design. They appear to be clustered together, suggesting a settlement or fortified position. The placement of these buildings on such an elevated and inaccessible location implies isolation and perhaps defensiveness.
The overall effect is one of remoteness and grandeur. The simplified forms and limited color palette contribute to a sense of austerity and timelessness. Here we see not merely a representation of a place, but rather an evocation of its character – rugged, isolated, and imbued with a quiet dignity. Subtly, the drawing suggests themes of human adaptation to challenging environments and the enduring presence of built structures within the face of overwhelming natural forces. The lack of any discernible human figures reinforces this sense of scale and emphasizes the dominance of the landscape itself.