The artwork titled “The Virgin Holidays. Assumption of the Virgin” was created by artist Nicholas Roerich in 1907. This religious painting, executed using oil on wood, is part of the “Perm iconostasis” series. Reflecting the influence of the Byzantine art movement, the artwork is now housed in the Perm State Art Gallery located in Perm, Russia.
The artwork depicts the religious scene of the Assumption of the Virgin, a significant event in Christian theology. To the right, a reclining figure, presumably the Virgin Mary, is shown on what appears to be a bier, suggesting the moment of her dormition or assumption into heaven. Surrounding her are several figures, likely apostles or saints, rendered with stylized, elongated forms characteristic of Byzantine influenced iconography. The figures are haloed, differentiating them as holy personages and aligning with the traditional depictions of saints in Christian art. The gold backdrop is typical of icons, symbolizing the divine light and the heavenly realm.
The composition utilizes a flattened perspective, with minimal attention to spatial depth, again following the conventions of Byzantine and Orthodox Christian art. The use of color and the portrayal of the draped garments are rendered in a manner that emphasizes the spiritual over the physical realism. Overall, the artwork is a reverent tribute to this sacred moment, encapsulating the spiritual gravitas and iconic style associated with the Byzantine tradition.
