The artwork “Flying Carpet,” created by Nicholas Roerich around 1935, is an exemplary piece from the Symbolism art movement. This mythological painting portrays a fantastical vision, drawing on elements of myth and imagination to convey deeper symbolic meanings.
In the artwork, a figure is depicted riding on a flying carpet, soaring high above a tranquil landscape. The scene features a serene and somewhat mystical background, with soft, dreamlike hues of blue and green blending into the sky and mountains. The flying carpet itself is vividly colored, creating a striking contrast against the more subdued tones of the landscape. The viewer’s eye is drawn to the delicate harmony between the ethereal flight of the carpet and the peaceful scenery below, invoking a sense of wonder and contemplation. The artwork captures the quintessential qualities of Symbolism, emphasizing the expression of complex ideas and emotions through allegorical and mythological imagery.