The artwork titled “Stargazer” by Nicholas Roerich, created in 1921, is a design piece executed in gouache on paper. It was produced during the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a solitary figure, garbed in a sweeping cloak and standing against a sparse background that conveys a sense of openness and perhaps even a spiritual or mystical aura. The figure appears to be holding a banner or a standard, signifying some form of heraldry, leadership, or representation. The stance and attire of the figure give the sense of watchfulness, as well as the title “Stargazer”, implying a connection to the cosmos or a search for guidance from the stars. Subtle architectural elements in the background may suggest a historical or mythological setting, grounding the figure in a narrative that is left largely to the viewer’s imagination. The simplicity and stylized forms are consistent with the Art Nouveau movement’s emphasis on design and decorative elements, as well as an interest in themes beyond the material world.
