Nicholas Roerich

Stockholm, Gummesons Konsthall, In Rörich Separatutstallning, November 1918, no. 80
Helsinki, Salon Strindberg Konstutstallning no 71, Nicholas Roerich, 1919, no. 38
Worthing, The Public Art Gallery, Nicolas Roerich. Spells of Russia, 1920, no. 75
London, The Goupil Gallery, Nicolas Roerich. Spells of Russia, 1920, no. 2
Brooklyn, The Brooklyn Museum, The Nicholas Roerich Exhibition, 1920-1922, no. 38

Gummesons Konsthall, In Rörich Separatutstallning, November 1918, no. 80
Henry Schou, Ovenlyssalen, Bredgade 34, Rörich, Maleriudstilling, January, circa 1918, no. 80
Salon Strindberg, Konstutstallning no 71, Nicholas Roerich, 1919, no. 38
The Public Art Gallery, Nicolas Roerich. Spells of Russia, 1920, no. 75
The Goupil Gallery, Nicolas Roerich. Spells of Russia, 1920, no. 2
Christian Brinton, The Nicholas Roerich Exhibition, New York, 1921, no. 38
Corona Mundi International Art Center, Roerich, 1924, pl. 36, illustrated
F. Grant et al., Paintings by Nicholas Roerich: Complete List of the Works of Nicholas Roerich, New York, 1926, p. 196
Roerich Museum Catalogue, New York, 1930, no. 38

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This painting on wood is generally in very good state. The wood has split very slightly in the center of the left edge and should be repaired. There is some slight frame abrasion around the edges and also a couple of scuff marks here and there in the sky. As delicately painted as it seems to be, the paint layer has not deteriorated, even in the sky, and a small amount of restoration will present this picture very well.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

The present composition evokes a desire for change that has not yet materialized. The old world, symbolized by the frozen land and the two bygone figures at left, is on the verge of  transformation. The picture calls forth the conflicted feelings of the artist, who is about to become a world-wanderer, leaving a Russia that will soon be torn apart by revolution. The muted, neutral colors of the sky and figures suggest a past that is soon to be left behind, while the clear, bright blues and brilliant red sails awaken a hope for the future.

This painting is number 85 in the listing of paintings from 1917 to 1924 in the Roerich Museum archives.