The artwork, titled “Saint Nicholas (Nicola Mozhaisky)” by Nicholas Roerich, was created in 1920. Executed on canvas using tempera, it exemplifies the Symbolism art movement. This religious painting, measuring 45.7 by 60.9 cm, is part of the collection at the State Museum of Oriental Art in Moscow, Russia.
In the artwork, Saint Nicholas is depicted standing on a mountainous landscape with angular, abstract forms and vibrant hues. The saint, clothed in traditional clerical garments, exudes a commanding presence, holding a book and blessing the viewers with his right hand. The colors are predominantly rich reds, blues, and whites, with shades of green suggesting vegetation. The background showcases a town set atop hills, under a gently clouded sky with birds, reinforcing the sacred and serene atmosphere. The painting’s stylized forms and striking color contrasts contribute to its symbolic and otherworldly character, distinctively in line with the Symbolist aesthetic.
