Sketch of costume Roerich N.K. (Part 2)

The watercolor presents two figures enveloped in elaborate, layered garments. They stand close together, their bodies largely obscured by the voluminous drapery that defines their presence. The composition is stark; a flat, pale background punctuated by a band of muted blue at the upper edge and a strip of ochre along the lower margin creates a sense of isolation for the subjects.
The figure on the left dominates the visual field due to its darker coloration and larger scale. A deep red skirt flares outward, contrasting with the turquoise-green patterned fabric that covers the upper body and head. The intricate pattern suggests a deliberate display of wealth or status. This individual’s posture is slightly stooped, hands clasped in front, contributing to an air of solemnity or perhaps restraint.
The figure on the right is rendered in lighter tones – yellows, greens, and blues – creating a visual distinction from its companion. While similarly draped, the arrangement appears less dense, allowing for a glimpse of the form beneath. The head covering here seems more loosely arranged, hinting at a different cultural or personal interpretation of modesty.
The artist’s use of color is significant. The contrast between the vibrant reds and greens of one figure and the softer hues of the other establishes a subtle visual dialogue. This difference might suggest distinctions in social standing, regional origin, or even personality. The limited palette reinforces the overall feeling of formality and perhaps hints at an ethnographic study rather than a portrait focused on individual character.
The lack of facial detail is crucial to understanding the work’s subtext. By obscuring the faces, the artist removes any possibility of direct emotional connection with the viewer. Instead, attention is drawn to the costumes themselves – the symbols of identity and cultural belonging. The painting seems less concerned with depicting individuals than with documenting a particular mode of dress, suggesting an interest in anthropological observation or historical record-keeping. It’s possible that the work aims to preserve a vanishing tradition or to examine the ways in which clothing signifies social roles within a specific community.