“Madonna Oriflamma,” created by Nicholas Roerich in 1932, is a religious painting rendered in tempera on canvas, exemplifying the Symbolism art movement. The artwork, housed in the Nicholas Roerich Museum in New York City, measures 173.5 by 99.5 centimeters.
The artwork portrays a serene female figure, symbolically representing the Madonna, garbed in a deep, rich purple robe that exudes a sense of divinity and tranquility. Her head is adorned with a simple yet elegant headpiece, and she is framed by a vibrant halo, signifying holiness. The Madonna holds a cloth bearing a central red circle with three smaller circles inside, a design reminiscent of sacred symbols. Flanking her are two windows offering glimpses of a serene landscape, bathed in the calm hues of dawn or dusk, which add a contemplative quality to the scene. The use of colors and the balanced composition evoke a sense of spiritual harmony and reverence.
