The artwork entitled “Unknown Singer” is a creation by the artist Nicholas Roerich, dating back to the year 1920. It is a pastel on canvas, measuring 51 by 76 centimeters. The piece is rooted in the Symbolism art movement and is classified as a mythological painting, which likely illustrates a narrative drawn from legends or fables.
The composition of the artwork portrays a vibrant, otherworldly scene. A figure is seen seated within a stylized, ornate boat that is equipped with a large, triangular sail. The boat has a bird-like prow, which is reminiscent of mythological or historical sea vessels, potentially referencing the symbolic journey of a bard or a divine messenger. The backdrop features an expansive landscape with mountain silhouettes cast under a dramatic, warm-hued sky that suggests either a sunset or sunrise. The colors are rich and carry symbolic weight, perhaps indicative of the transition between day and night or the crossing of metaphysical boundaries. The overall effect is an evocative image, rich in symbolism and steeped in an aura of mystery and transcendence, which is emblematic of Symbolist ideals—seeking to represent truth through allegory and metaphor.
