The artwork “Boundary of Kingdoms,” created by Nicholas Roerich in 1916, is a representation from the Symbolism art movement. This genre painting, with dimensions of 115 x 195 cm, has unfortunately been destroyed. The piece depicts a striking and surrealistic landscape that aligns with the characteristics of Symbolism.
In “Boundary of Kingdoms,” Roerich presents an expansive, mountainous terrain, evoking a sense of majesty and timelessness. The rugged peaks stretch across the canvas, creating a dramatic backdrop that dominates the composition. In the midst of this formidable environment, a group of robed figures stands on a precipice, suggesting the crossing or defining of borders—both literal and metaphorical. These figures, slightly abstract in form, seem to merge with the surrounding landscape, emphasizing a unity between humanity and nature. The muted, monochromatic color palette adds to the ethereal and introspective quality of the artwork, inviting viewers to ponder the deeper meaning behind the scene.