“The Language of the Forest,” painted by Nicholas Roerich in 1922 using tempera on canvas, belongs to the Symbolism movement and is classified as a landscape genre piece. The dimensions of the artwork are 58.2 x 78.6 cm. Currently, it resides in the Roerich Museum in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork depicts a serene and mystic forest setting bathed in hues of purple and red. Distinct tall trees with slender trunks reach upwards, silhouetted against a vivid sky that transitions from deep red at the horizon to a lighter crimson as it climbs higher, suggesting a sunset or sunrise. The undulating forest floor is covered with soft, mossy mounds, creating an ethereal atmosphere. In the foreground, two figures can be discerned, engaged in contemplative or meditative poses, blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings. The use of color and composition evokes a sense of tranquility and otherworldliness, inviting the viewer to delve into the symbolic and spiritual language of the forest.
