“Palden Lhamo,” created by artist Nicholas Roerich in 1931, is a Symbolist landscape painting. The artwork falls within the Symbolism movement which emphasizes ideas and emotions over realistic depiction.
Within the artwork, one finds an arresting terrain dominated by rugged mountains with varied hues of deep green, azure, and umber. Central to this mystical landscape is an ethereal portrayal of Palden Lhamo, a figure inscribed within the rocky formations, mounted on a horse, and resplendent with elaborate decorations. A serpentine waterfall cascades from the heights of the mountains, slicing through the solemn, shadowy environment. The high peaks recede subtly into the distance, shrouded by a delicate mist that imbues the scene with a sense of infinite depth and otherworldliness. The interplay of light and shade, coupled with the use of bold yet harmonious colors, evokes a sense of divine presence amidst the natural grandeur.
