The artwork titled “The Straight Path,” created by Nicholas Roerich in 1912, is an exquisite example of Symbolism within the landscape genre. Rendered in gouache, watercolor, tempera on cardboard, this piece is housed in the Nizhny Novgorod State Museum of Fine Arts, located in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
The artwork depicts a vast and serene landscape, dominated by soft hills stretching out towards the horizon, under an expansive sky filled with delicate, wispy clouds. In the foreground, a small mound or cairn sets a focal point, giving a sense of directionality. The color palette is calming, utilizing various shades of green and blue, creating a tranquil and meditative atmosphere. This serene composition reflects the Symbolist movement’s affinity for conveying deeper meanings and exploring the metaphysical essence of nature.
