The artwork titled “Sorcerer” was created by Nicholas Roerich in the year 1909. Executed using gouache and pastel on cardboard, the piece belongs to the Art Nouveau, or Modern, movement, and is a portrait genre. It is currently housed in the Odesa Museum of Fine Arts in Odesa, Ukraine.
The artwork depicts a solitary figure against a serene backdrop of a vast, cloudy sky and rolling hills. The subject, possibly a sorcerer, appears contemplative, with a weathered visage indicative of a life of hardship and wisdom. The use of gouache and pastel adds a tangible texture to the piece, while the muted yet rich colors emphasize the ruggedness of the figure. The composition balances the earthly presence of the subject with the expansive, almost ethereal sky, perhaps symbolizing a connection between the earthly and the mystical. The Art Nouveau elements are evident in the stylized portrayal and the harmonious blend of natural and human elements.
