The artwork titled “Saint Genevieve” is a creation of the esteemed artist Nicholas Roerich, completed in the year 1933. The medium used for this piece is tempera on canvas, echoing the traditions of early Renaissance painting while embodying the spirit of the Symbolism movement. It measures 79 by 102 centimeters and pertains to the religious painting genre, capturing a scene that conveys spiritual themes and narratives. Currently, the artwork resides in the State Museum of Oriental Art, located in Moscow, Russia.
The composition presents an atmospheric and mystical setting, showing pronounced contrasts between light and dark areas. In the foreground, a figure cloaked in blue is seen in a stance of devotion or prayer, facing a statue of Saint Genevieve who is illuminated and stands within a niche. The architecture depicted is suggestive of a church or cathedral, characterized by its arches and vaults, signifying a place of worship and spiritual contemplation.
Beyond the archway, a dramatic contrast is established with the depiction of a city engulfed in flames, likely symbolic of a historical or allegorical event tied to the saint’s story. The use of color is particularly striking, with the cool hues of the interior space opposing the warm, fiery tones of the conflagration outside, which are skillfully reflected in the skies above. Roerich’s use of symbolism is evident as he juxtaposes sanctity and turmoil, perhaps alluding to the role of faith and sainthood amid chaos and tribulation. Overall, the artwork invites contemplation and evokes a sense of transcendent calm in the face of disaster.
