“Vaydelots,” a mythological painting created by Nicholas Roerich in 1914, belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. This artwork, currently part of a private collection, showcases the thematic and stylistic elements typical of its genre.
The artwork depicts two figures seated beneath a large, sinuous tree with thick, twisting branches that convey a sense of ancient strength and mysticism. At the center of this serene yet enigmatic scene is a fire burning atop an elevated rock, surrounded by a circular arrangement of smaller stones. The two figures are dressed in white robes adorned with red detailing, enhancing the mythological atmosphere of the composition. Background elements include a serene landscape with hills, trees, and a body of water, accompanied by gracefully sailing boats, all painted with a soft, flowing aesthetic typical of the Art Nouveau style. The composition invites contemplation of a possible ritual or mythical gathering, deeply embedded in nature and spirituality.