The Castle by the Sea (sketch for the painting "Varangian Sea") Roerich N.K. (Part 2)

Here we observe a coastal scene rendered in muted tones and characterized by a palpable sense of melancholy. The composition is dominated by a structure – likely a castle or fortified tower – positioned prominently on the right side of the frame. Its architecture appears archaic, with crenellations and what seems to be a partially ruined state suggesting age and perhaps abandonment.
The foreground features a section of weathered stonework, possibly part of the same fortification, that descends towards the waters edge. The texture is rough, indicated by visible brushstrokes and an uneven application of pigment. A small boat rests on the surface of the sea, its presence adding a touch of human scale to the vastness of the landscape.
The expanse of water occupies a significant portion of the canvas. Its color shifts between shades of grey-green and blue, reflecting the overcast sky above. Distant landmasses are suggested by dark silhouettes on the horizon, creating depth but maintaining an overall sense of atmospheric distance. The clouds themselves are rendered with loose brushwork, contributing to the painting’s dreamlike quality.
The color palette is restrained, primarily consisting of blues, greys, and muted greens. This limited range reinforces the somber mood and contributes to a feeling of isolation. Light appears diffused, lacking strong contrasts that would define forms sharply. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, evoking themes of times passage, solitude, and perhaps even loss or decay.
The sketch’s unfinished quality – the visible brushstrokes, the lack of precise detail – suggests a preliminary study for a larger work. It conveys an impression of fleeting observation rather than meticulous representation, hinting at the artists attempt to capture a particular atmosphere or emotional resonance associated with this coastal location.