The artwork named “Vernicle,” created by Nicholas Roerich in 1934, belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and falls within the genre of sketch and study.
The artwork depicts a simplistic yet articulated sketch of a church building, characterized by its unmistakable Eastern Orthodox architectural style with a prominent onion dome topped by a cross. The façade of the church features a central panel displaying a visage, possibly representing Christ, which is known as a vernicle or a holy image. The clear, concise lines and the austere monochrome palette of the sketch emphasize the architectural details and the iconic religious elements, reflecting Roerich’s mastery in capturing the spiritual and cultural essence of the edifice.
