Sound of the waterfall (panel design) # 5 Roerich N.K. (Part 2)

The composition presents a figure positioned before a dramatic landscape dominated by a cascading waterfall and towering rock formations. The scene is rendered in a flattened perspective, minimizing depth and emphasizing decorative patterns. A substantial portion of the left side is occupied by a reddish-brown vertical plane, likely representing a cliff face or a large boulder, which acts as a visual anchor for the composition.
The central figure, a woman, stands near the base of this structure. Her pose suggests contemplation; she appears to be examining a flower held in her hand. The artist has simplified her form, reducing anatomical detail and emphasizing stylized features. She is clad in patterned fabric that contributes to the overall decorative quality of the work.
Behind the figure, a powerful waterfall plunges into a pool below, surrounded by dark, angular rocks. The water itself is depicted with broad strokes of yellow and white, creating an impression of movement and luminosity rather than realistic representation. The background landscape rises steeply, culminating in a series of pointed peaks that further accentuate the scale of the natural environment.
The color palette is restrained but evocative, employing earthy tones – ochre, brown, green – punctuated by brighter yellows and whites to suggest light and water. This limited range contributes to a sense of harmony and tranquility despite the dynamic energy conveyed by the waterfall.
Subtly, there’s an interplay between human presence and the overwhelming power of nature. The womans small stature in relation to the landscape suggests humanitys place within a larger, indifferent world. Her gesture – the examination of the flower – implies a search for meaning or beauty amidst this grandeur. The decorative patterns on her clothing and the surrounding rocks hint at an underlying cultural context, possibly referencing traditional motifs or symbolic representations. Overall, the work conveys a sense of quiet observation and reverence for the natural world, filtered through a stylized and somewhat distanced perspective.