The Miserly knight. Set Design # 7 Roerich N.K. (Part 2)

Here we observe a scene unfolding within what appears to be a subterranean chamber or vault. The space is defined by a rounded ceiling, suggesting a cavernous structure, and a single column on the right side that partially frames the view. A steep staircase ascends from the back of the room, disappearing into shadow.
The focal point of the composition is a figure seated amidst a hoard of gold coins and vessels. He is clad in armor, indicating a knightly status, yet his posture and demeanor convey an overwhelming sense of avarice and isolation. The artist depicted him hunched over, almost clinging to the pile of treasure, with his head bowed as if in worship or obsessive contemplation. His hands are clasped around a small container, further emphasizing his possessiveness.
The lighting is dramatic and theatrical. A warm, golden glow emanates from an unseen source, illuminating the gold and casting deep shadows across the figure’s face and armor. This selective illumination heightens the sense of secrecy and confinement within the vault. The color palette is dominated by ochres, yellows, and browns, reinforcing the impression of wealth and decay.
The arrangement of objects contributes to a feeling of claustrophobia and psychological entrapment. The gold coins are piled high, creating a visual barrier between the figure and any potential exit or connection with the outside world. Various vessels – goblets, pitchers – are arranged on a table to the left, suggesting a life lived in solitude and focused solely on accumulation.
Subtly, the scene hints at themes of moral corruption and the destructive nature of greed. The knight’s armor, typically associated with honor and chivalry, is rendered here as a symbol of confinement and self-imposed imprisonment. He appears not to be guarding or protecting something valuable, but rather consumed by it. The darkness surrounding him suggests that his obsession has led him away from light and virtue. The composition implies a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked desire and the potential for material wealth to isolate and corrupt even those who might otherwise embody noble ideals.