The artwork titled “A guy, Gegstad” is a creation by Nicholas Roerich, dated circa 1911. Rendered in gouache, pencil, and wash on paper, it belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. Measuring 24.5 x 15.7 cm and classified as a design genre, the artwork is currently located in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a male figure adorned in traditional attire. The man stands, leaning gently on a cane with his right hand, suggesting a moment of contemplation. The vibrant detailing in the costume, characterized by layered textures and intricate embroidery, is indicative of Roerich’s meticulous attention to folk aesthetics. His attire includes a colorful cap, a patterned vest, and trousers with detailed fastenings. The use of soft washes and gouache highlights the tactile quality of the fabric and lends the piece a delicate, almost ethereal ambiance. The figure’s stance and expression offer a glimpse into the cultural narrative Roerich sought to capture, embodying the spirit of the early 20th-century fascination with regional traditions and artisanal craftsmanship.