“Beneficial herbs (Vasilisa the Wise),” created in 1941 by Nicholas Roerich, is a notable work of Symbolism rendered on canvas using tempera. The artwork forms part of the “Returning to sources” series and measures 76 x 121.5 cm. It is classified under the mythological painting genre and is currently housed in the State Museum of Oriental Art in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork depicts a scene of serene natural beauty, characterized by a gradient sky transitioning from deep blue at the top to a soft yellow near the horizon. In the foreground, lush green foliage and herbs, adorned with specks of vibrant blue flowers, create a sense of calm and tranquility. An enigmatic figure dressed in a flowing red garb bends over the plants, ostensibly engaging in the collection of herbs. This figure is set against rolling hills and distant, soft-hued mountains, which add depth to the composition. The horizon suggests a vast body of water, reflecting the gentle colors of the sky. The overall atmosphere conveyed is one of peaceful introspection and harmonious interaction with nature, characteristic of the mythological narratives embedded within Roerich’s artistic oeuvre.
