The artwork titled “Idols” is a creation of Nicholas Roerich, an artist affiliated with the Art Nouveau movement, more commonly known as Modern art, with a primary focus on landscapes. The piece presents a scene delineated with distinct line work, characteristic of illustrations or etchings. The artwork depicts a serene landscape that seems to blend natural and stylized elements.
In the foreground of the artwork, a mound is illustrated with what appears to be standing stones or figures, possibly the “idols” referenced in the title. The stones are arranged in varying heights with two central figures taller than the others, suggestive of some form of totemic or ritualistic importance. The scene is devoid of human presence, which imbues the artwork with a sense of mystery and ancient spirituality.
The midground reveals a body of water, perhaps a river or a lake, which serves as a separation between the foreground and the city-like structures in the background. These structures consist of sharp, angular shapes that resemble buildings, depicted in a simplified and possibly stylized form, which aligns with Roerich’s artistic practice of infusing spiritual and mythological elements into his work.
The artwork’s execution in monochrome adds to its overall ethereal and timeless quality. It is an eloquent testament to Roerich’s capacity to infuse landscapes with a sense of otherworldly mysticism while maintaining simplicity through his art style.
