“Bum-Erdeni,” created by Nicholas Roerich in 1947, is a mythological painting reflecting the Symbolism art movement. The artwork, executed using tempera on canvas, measures 94 by 124 centimeters. This piece captures a richly colored and dynamic mythical scene.
The artwork depicts a vibrant and dramatic confrontation between two powerful, mythological figures. One figure, mounted on a rearing horse, brandishes a spear aimed at a formidable, shadowy creature that emerges from a background of tumultuous, swirling clouds. The sky, rendered in hues of red and purple, imbues the scene with a sense of urgency and otherworldliness. In the foreground, small figures and tents, possibly nomadic dwellings, are scattered against a mountainous landscape, grounding the scene in an earthly, yet legendary, context. The bold, swirling forms and vivid color palette poignantly reflect the Symbolist approach, creating a mystical and evocative visual narrative.
