The artwork, titled “Earth paternoster,” was created by Nicholas Roerich in 1907. It belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and is a genre painting that measures 49 x 63 cm.
In “Earth paternoster,” we observe a dynamic and colorful landscape that appears to blend elements of nature with human presence. The scene depicts a series of rounded, rock-like forms covering the ground, adorned with intricate, possibly symbolic patterns reminiscent of ancient petroglyphs or indigenous art. Two human-like figures can be seen walking upon these forms, their attire and gestures suggesting they may be engaged in some ritualistic or narrative action. The backdrop is a vibrant, undulating landscape with hues of blue and green, which contribute to the fantastical and somewhat mystical ambiance of the artwork. The crescent moon hanging in the deep blue sky further adds to the ethereal quality of the scene.