The battle with the dragon (curtain sketch version) Roerich N.K. (Part 2)

Here we observe a densely populated scene rendered in a striking monochromatic palette of dark figures against a vibrant red background. The composition is framed by a decorative border featuring repeating motifs that echo elements within the central narrative.
The focal point centers on a dynamic struggle between a heroic figure and a serpentine creature, presumably a dragon. The hero, positioned centrally, wields a weapon directed towards the beast, which appears to be rearing up in defense. A palpable sense of movement is conveyed through the figures’ postures – the heros forward lean, the dragon’s arched back, and the swirling forms surrounding them.
Beyond this central conflict, the scene teems with additional characters and creatures. Several onlookers are depicted on a raised platform or structure to the right of the main action, their expressions unreadable but suggesting observation and perhaps apprehension. Scattered throughout the composition are various animals – birds in flight, smaller beasts seemingly fleeing the chaos, and other unidentified forms that contribute to the overall sense of teeming life.
The artist’s use of line is particularly noteworthy. The figures are delineated with a bold, almost crude style, prioritizing energy over precise anatomical representation. This stylistic choice lends an immediacy and raw quality to the scene. The red background, rather than serving as mere backdrop, actively participates in the composition; its intensity amplifies the drama and creates a visual vibrancy that draws the eye.
Subtextually, this work seems to explore themes of heroism, conflict, and perhaps even societal order versus primal chaos. The dragon, often symbolic of destructive forces or untamed nature, is confronted by a figure representing courage and potentially civilization. The presence of onlookers suggests a broader community impacted by this struggle. The decorative border, with its repeating patterns, could be interpreted as symbolizing the cyclical nature of conflict or the enduring traditions that shape human experience. Overall, the work conveys a narrative rich in symbolism and imbued with a powerful emotional charge.