“Prologue. Forest.” is a distinguished artwork created by Nicholas Roerich in 1908. This piece is rendered using a combination of charcoal, pastel, cardboard, and tempera, associated with the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 46.5 x 62 cm, and it is categorized within the design genre. Currently, it resides in the Bakhrushin Theater Museum located in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork depicts a serene and mystical nocturnal forest scene. Dominated by a palette of deep blues, the landscape features a prominent ridge covered in snow with a starry sky casting a gentle glow over the scene. The forested hillside, comprised of rigid, angular forms, appears almost otherworldly, enhancing the sense of an enchanted environment. In the background, distant structures suggest a secluded village, enveloped by the tranquil vastness of the snow-covered landscape. The meticulous detail and ethereal atmosphere evoke a poignant sense of calm and introspection, characteristic of Roerich’s masterful technique.
