The artwork “Twilight,” created by Nicholas Roerich, is a pastel on cardboard that subscribes to the Symbolism art movement. It measures 48 x 70.5 cm and falls within the landscape genre. This piece is housed at the Lviv National Art Gallery, located in Lviv, Ukraine.
“Twilight” depicts a serene and mystical landscape scene, resonant with symbolic significance that is characteristic of Roerich’s body of work. The composition features a panoramic view of undulating hills that gently slope down to meet a tranquil body of water. Dominating the scene is a prominent architectural structure placed atop a hill on the far shore, possibly a monastery or a church, which is cast in the soft, dimming light of dusk. The atmosphere is imbued with a sense of calm and stillness, reflective of the time of day after the sun has set but before night fully embraces the land. On the left foreground, a solitary, robed figure stands contemplatively, gazing toward the building across the water, further enhancing the artwork’s spiritual and introspective mood. The use of muted blues and purples conveys the coolness of the twilight hour, while the subtle gradations of color suggest the waning light. Roerich’s employment of soft pastel hues and layered perspective fosters a dreamlike quality that invites the viewer to ponder the deeper meanings and symbolism behind the visual elements presented.
