The artwork “Predicted Cloud” by Nicholas Roerich, completed in 1921 in the United States, is a notable example of the Symbolism movement. As part of the “Messiah” series, this work falls under the cityscape genre. It embodies the essential characteristics of Symbolism through its evocative use of form and color to convey deeper meanings and transcendent themes.
In this artwork, Nicholas Roerich depicts a series of structures that appear to be part of an ancient or historical cityscape, predominantly in warm earth tones that suggest a desert-like environment. The buildings are characterized by their flat roofs, rectangular doorways, and the simplicity of their architectural forms, reflecting a style reminiscent of indigenous adobe or pueblo architecture.
The sky above the cityscape is dominated by a massive cloud formation, which occupies a significant part of the composition in the upper right section. The clouds are rendered in a lighter hue compared to the city and posses a somewhat ethereal quality, which may imply a symbolic significance. The sharp contrast between the grounded, solid forms of the buildings and the soft, expansive nature of the clouds may suggest themes of the material versus the spiritual or terrestrial versus celestial realms, which is a common motif in Symbolist art.
Overall, the artwork’s ambiance is serene yet laden with potential significance. Its inclusion in the “Messiah” series may point towards an underlying narrative or spiritual connotation, encouraging contemplation about prophecy, divine presence, or redemptive forces within the ordinary confines of a cityscape.
