The Virgin and Child (NK Roerich?) Roerich N.K. (Part 2)

Here we observe a composition divided into two distinct registers, visually separated by a horizontal line that bisects the scene. The upper register depicts a landscape dominated by a stylized, almost abstract tree with intensely blue foliage punctuated by numerous white stars. A figure, seemingly winged and rendered in pale hues, hovers near the top of this arboreal structure. In the distance, on the left side of the upper register, a dark form resembling a rider on horseback is visible, partially obscured by the landscape. The lower register presents a more intimate grouping: a central female figure seated within the same stylized tree, holding an infant who appears to be interacting with a small animal – possibly a goat or lamb – resting at their feet.
The color palette is striking, relying heavily on blues and yellows contrasted against earthy tones of brown and pink. The application of paint seems immediate and expressive, with visible brushstrokes contributing to the overall sense of dynamism. The forms are simplified, bordering on symbolic rather than realistic representations. This simplification extends to the faces of the figures in the lower register, which lack detailed features, emphasizing their archetypal nature.
The division between the registers suggests a layered narrative or perhaps a shift in perspective. The upper section might represent a celestial realm or an idealized vision, while the lower depicts a more grounded, human scene. The tree itself functions as a central motif, acting as both a physical structure and a symbolic link between these two realms. Its stylized form evokes associations with sacred groves or trees of life found in various mythologies.
The presence of the rider on horseback in the upper register introduces an element of potential threat or observation from afar. The figure’s obscured nature leaves its role ambiguous – is it a guardian, a witness, or something more ominous? The interaction between the mother and child in the lower register conveys a sense of tenderness and protection, while the presence of the animal adds a touch of pastoral innocence.
Subtly, there is an impression of spiritual yearning or revelation embedded within this work. The stylized rendering and symbolic elements suggest that the scene transcends literal representation, aiming instead to convey deeper emotional and philosophical truths about faith, motherhood, and the connection between humanity and the divine.