The artwork, titled “Hystaspes. Shahnameh,” was created by Nicholas Roerich in 1938. It belongs to the Symbolism art movement and is a genre painting measuring 45 by 80 centimeters. This piece is part of the series “Iran’s Epic” and is currently housed at the State Museum of Oriental Art in Moscow, Russia.
This vibrant artwork portrays a lone figure on horseback ascending a rugged, ochre-toned landscape. The composition is dominated by warm hues of red and brown, contrasted sharply with the cool, serene blue of distant mountains under a delicately lit sky. In the background, one can observe a structure reminiscent of ancient fortresses or watchtowers, indicative of a historical or mythical setting, likely inspired by the epic tales of the Shahnameh. The solitary rider and the expansive, undulating terrain evoke a sense of both isolation and grandeur, consistent with Roerich’s Symbolist approach, which often imbued his work with a profound and contemplative atmosphere.