The artwork “Nastasia Mikulichna” is a tempera painting on canvas created in 1943 by Nicholas Roerich. The painting, which is a part of the “Returning to sources” series, exemplifies the Symbolism movement and portrays a mythological subject. It measures 92 by 152.8 centimeters and is currently housed in the Novosibirsk State Museum of Fine Arts in Novosibirsk, Russia.
The artwork depicts a commanding female figure mounted on a robust, dark horse, poised on a rocky terrain under a vivid, otherworldly sky. The woman, adorned in warrior-like attire with armor that gleams under the surreal lighting, extends her right hand, suggesting an offering or a pronounced gesture. The warm hues of the sky create a dramatic backdrop, directing the viewer’s attention to the central figure’s stoic and determined demeanor. The interplay of light and shadow along with the bold use of color enhances the mythological and symbolic essence of the painting, capturing the viewer’s imagination and invoking themes of strength, heritage, and mysticism.
