The artwork titled “Human Ancestors (Study),” created by Nicholas Roerich around 1911, is rendered on canvas using tempera. It belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) and Symbolism movements and is classified as a genre painting.
The artwork depicts a serene and symbolic landscape, characterized by soft, undulating hills in various shades of green and blue, under a mild yellow sky. At the center, a figure draped in grey and blue sits pensively, evoking a sense of contemplation amidst nature. Surrounding the central figure are darker forms, possibly animals or other figures, blending into the pastoral scene. The landscape stretches into the background with a winding path that might symbolize a journey or passage. The blend of colors and forms creates a harmonious and reflective composition that is emblematic of Roerich’s style and the Symbolist movement.
