The artwork titled “Idols” was created by Nicholas Roerich in 1901. Roerich, a Russian artist, depicted a scene that aligns with Realism, a movement focused on representing subjects truthfully without artificiality. The genre painting explores the daily life or historic and cultural moments without idealization. Although originally part of a wider collection, the artwork’s current status is listed as destroyed, implying its physical form no longer exists.
The artwork itself presents a compelling scene composed of several totemic figures standing prominently within a rugged landscape. The totems are adorned with intricate patterns and colors that stand out against the more subdued palette of the surrounding environment. Nestled into a rocky crag, the central totemic figures command attention with their intricate design and vertical stature, hinting at a cultural or spiritual significance within the context of the genre painting. The surrounding landscape is painted in darker tones, giving the sense of a time either at dusk or dawn, which adds a mystic quality to the setting. A body of water and distant hills extend the depth of the scene, indicating a remote location potentially significant for ritual or cultural practices. The artwork captures a moment frozen in time, reflecting a deep engagement with the culture it is likely depicting.
