The artwork, titled “Conquest of Kazan,” was created by Nicholas Roerich in 1914. It is a history painting executed in tempera on paper, characteristic of the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. The dimensions of the piece are 78 by 73 centimeters. This notable artwork is housed in the National Gallery of Armenia, located in Yerevan, Armenia.
The painting vividly portrays a historic scene with a dynamic composition teeming with vibrant colors and intricate details. In the foreground, a procession of medieval soldiers and knights, equipped with ornate armor and shields, advances toward a fortified city under a dramatic, tumultuous sky. Banners and flags, each adorned with distinctive symbols, are prominently displayed among the figures, adding to the sense of historical narrative and unity. The upper portion of the painting is dominated by ominous red clouds, within which a divine arm wielding a sword emerges, symbolizing the impending conquest and the will of higher powers. The background features the besieged city of Kazan, set against rolling hills and a winding river, all bathed in a palette of intense, contrasting hues. Roerich’s use of composition, color, and symbolic elements conveys the drama and significance of this historical event, immersing the viewer in the ancient struggle depicted.
