The artwork titled “Nightingale the Robber,” created by Nicholas Roerich in 1910, exemplifies the Symbolism art movement. Executed on canvas using tempera, this mythological painting measures 202 by 341 centimeters and is part of the “Heroic Frieze” series. Currently, it resides in the Horlivka Museum of Fine Arts in Horlivka, Ukraine.
The artwork portrays a rich, evocative landscape characterized by a sense of myth and history. In the foreground, elevated on stilts, is a rustic structure, possibly a watchtower or dwelling, hinting at seclusion and vigilance. Within, a figure appears to be gazing outward, likely the robber referred to in the title. The background is dominated by rolling hills and expansive stretches of land, painted in hues of blues and greens, implying depth and distance. On the right side of the painting, a settlement is visible across the scenic valley, adding a sense of community juxtaposed against the solitary figure in the foreground. The composition and use of color evoke a sense of mystique and narrative, consistent with the Symbolist movement’s inclination towards exploring themes of legend and myth.