The artwork, titled “She who holds the world,” is a symbolic painting created by Nicholas Roerich in 1933. Executed on canvas with tempera, this masterpiece belongs to the Symbolism art movement. Measuring 46.5 x 78.3 cm, the painting is a profound representation embodying symbolic themes.
In the artwork, a regal figure of a woman stands prominently, her attire imbued with majestic red and crowned with gold, symbolizing perhaps a queen or goddess. She holds a scepter-like object, which might denote power or divine authority. Behind her, the serene backdrop of towering, snow-capped mountains contrasts her presence, creating a sense of awe and isolation. The vast sky, painted in gradient shades of blue, stretches infinitely, further enhancing the feeling of her dominion over the natural world. The portrayal suggests that she is the custodian of the world, a divine protector amidst the grandeur of nature.