“Boyarynia in Red,” crafted by Nicholas Roerich in 1921, exemplifies the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. This piece, executed using gouache and ink on paper, belongs to the genre of design.
The artwork portrays a regal figure adorned in a voluminous red garment, intricately decorated with repetitive patterns and trimmed with black fur. The figure’s attire also includes a green inner garment with ornate embellishments, creating a striking contrast against the dominant red fabric. The poised stance and the attire suggest a depiction of nobility, in keeping with the title “Boyarynia,” which refers to a woman of high rank in Russian society. The architectural elements in the background, consisting of simple yet imposing structures, provide a subtle context, highlighting the figure as the focal point of the composition. The overall aesthetic is marked by a harmonious blend of colors and forms, characteristic of the Art Nouveau style.
