The classic description of Roerich's painting overseas guests. Overseas guests of Nicholas Roerich

Many works of Nicholas Roerich can be called historical. was an archaeologist, traveler and historian. That is why he skillfully and truthfully conveyed the events of bygone centuries.

The painter visited many historical places in his life and every time he thought that the ancient Slavs passed or sailed through the same territory hundreds of years ago. The master so vividly imagined overseas guests sailing on boats along Ancient Russia that had a burning desire to paint a picture. He transferred the plot from his imagination to the canvas, and so at the very beginning of the last century, the work “Overseas Guests” appeared. It depicts the journey of strangers along the river to uncharted lands.

Painting N. Roerich "Overseas guests" written in 1901. Two years earlier, the artist had traveled along the great waterway to Novgorod. The journey amazed the artist. He imagined how many years ago the Varangians sailed along this path to the Slavic land, how the Novgorodians went on campaigns, how the boats of the Novgorod merchant Sadko cut through the water boat. Then the idea was born to the artist to paint a picture about guests from across the sea who sailed to the Russians for peace.

Easily strong boats cut unfamiliar waters. Guests carefully peer into other people's shores. The artist clearly wrote down the smallest details of the decoration of foreign ships, from the shields on the stern to the patterned carving, which is crowned with a dragon's head. Through clear water visible rocks at the bottom.

Composition based on the painting by N. Roerich “Guests from Overseas” | February 2016

Composition based on the painting "Overseas guests"

The painting "Overseas guests" immediately amazes with its bright colors. They create fabulous atmosphere ancient times. In the picture we see the ships of warriors sailing along the coast. Roerich depicted the tribes of the Varangians who sailed to the Slavic lands.

Wooden ships are very beautiful: they are covered with luxurious carvings, they look very rich. The nose of the first ship is made in the shape of a dragon's head. Who knows, maybe for the Varangians this animal symbolizes good luck, patronizes travelers? The wind blows colorful sails. Slowly and proudly, the ships sail towards the Slavic settlements.

Description of the painting by Roerich “Overseas guests”

The painting "Overseas guests" was painted by N. Roerich in 1901. On it we see floating boats, on the bows of which there are painted dragons. In the boats, overseas guests are the Varangians, they ride, marveling at the beauty of Ancient Russia and sparkling in the sun with shields.

We seem to feel the slow movement of painted boats along the blue surface of the sea, and their Scarlet Sails as if blazing against the sky. The Vikings, on the other hand, crowded at the stern and peered into hitherto unknown distances.

And here it is Great Russia. Three mounds are clearly visible on the top of one of the hills. There were burial places of leaders. Another hill adorns the Slavic town, from where, if you imagine, the inhabitants look at foreign boats with excitement and curiosity.

Composition based on the painting "Overseas guests" | February 2016

Composition based on the painting by N. Roerich “Overseas guests”

There are artists whose life bears the stamp of their unusual nature, original and original attitude to the world. Even short biography Nicholas Roerich is reminiscent of not just a fascinating story, but a whole novel. Soviet art critic I. Petrov notes that he was “a wonderful painter, tireless traveler, passionate researcher, philosopher and poet. He lived in France and Switzerland, Belgium and Holland, England and Germany, Finland and the USA, China and Japan; made trips to Ceylon, the Philippines and Hong Kong, last years lived in India.

Not only creativity, but also bright personality N. Roerich attracted people to him, even during his lifetime his fame became almost legendary. Roerich's paintings, numbering over 5,000, can be found in leading museums and art collections around the world. In Russia, perhaps, there is no museum or gallery that would not have several of his works. In some museums, entire halls are devoted exclusively to his paintings, and in his honor a 29-story building was erected in New York City in 1929. It seems that for the first time in history a whole museum was built for the masterpieces of one artist during his lifetime. One of the features of the art of N. Roerich, which determined all directions of his creative searches, was the desire to embody images of the distant, heroic past in painting, to penetrate the meaning of ancient legends, to convey all the poetic charm folk life.

Kievan Rus, Viking raids, legends ancient east attracted Roerich at the very beginning of his creative activity. Speaking in 1898-1899 at the St. Petersburg Archaeological Institute with a series of lectures " Artistic technique applied to archeology", he said: "In order to historical picture made an impression, it is necessary that it takes the viewer to a bygone era. To do this, the artist must not invent and fantasize, hoping for the unpreparedness of the audience, but in fact it is necessary to study ancient life as soon as possible, imbued with it, soaked through and through.

Composition based on the painting by N. Roerich “Guests from Overseas” | February 2016

Did not you find what you were looking for? here's another

Nicholas Konstantinovich Roerich, one of the outstanding artists, whose life is fully consistent with their unusual, creative nature, creative attitude towards the world around them. The biography of the artist resembles not just a narrative story, but an exciting life romance. The versatility of this man simply surprises and fascinates at the same time: famous poet, passionate traveler, deep philosopher, tireless researcher and wonderful artist- it's far from complete list his hobbies.

At one time, he managed not only to visit many countries of the world, but also to live in them. This left an imprint on all his work. The bright personality of the creator attracted people like a magnet. That is why he became widely known during his lifetime. The artist's work is represented by more than 5 thousand paintings, which are exhibited in famous museums and galleries around the world. Well, and in Russia every self-respecting museum has paintings by the artist in its collection. It is surprising that in New York, in honor of Roerich, a 29-story building was erected, specially designed for the museum, which presents exclusively his masterpieces. In his work, the artist tried to illustrate the heroic past, ancient legends, the difficult, unpretentious life of the common people.

Roerich's works are filled with antiquity Kievan Rus, the heroism of the Viking raids, the legends ancient world. The artist was inspired by the study folk tales, songs, traditions, murals and tiles of ancient masters, legends. The soul of original talent is thoroughly saturated with the spirit of Ancient Russia.

Folk painting

AT late XIX century, the young artist realized interesting journey to Novgorod along the route that the Varangian boats used in ancient times. This event gave rise to the idea for the creation of a future painting canvas"Overseas guests". Later, while in Paris, constantly mentally returning to his homeland, Roerich matured and took shape the idea of ​​writing a work. The picture belongs to the cycle about primordial Russia and bears a bright imprint folk painting. Analyzing artistic techniques, - dragon heads, scarlet sails, blue water in the river, - we come to the conclusion that the master managed to brilliantly shift the characteristic features applied arts and iconography of antiquity in a modern way.

The artist himself gave the picture the subtitle "Folk Painting". "Overseas guests" is a solemn ode to the peaceful mission of the Varangians of the 9th century, who set off on impressive boats to reconcile the warring Slavic tribes.

The picture is made with large strokes, skillfully curved lines, bright colors, which characterizes the indefatigable nature of the author. Overseas guests are sailing to the Slavic lands, one after another the ancient Norse ships proudly walk along the serene sea, multi-colored shields sparkle on the sides, bright red sails swell with the wind, the noses are crowned with carved heads of griffin dragons, harsh Scandinavians peer into the unknown in the boats ... This is the plot of the picture .

It is transmitted with unusual festive colors. The consonance of transparent shades of the sky and white-winged gulls hovering over the sea, with intense, open tones of ships, people's clothes creates a feeling of joy and celebration. All this is an integral part ancient Russian art and folk art, which fully confirms the author's title of N. K. Roerich. Looking at the canvas, legends and tales about the ancient Slavs, familiar from childhood, arise. It is not only the historical artwork but also the beauty of Russian nature. Nature is closely associated with the historical past of Russia.

At the very top of one of the hills, three elevations are depicted - these are ancient burials. The green hills are a consequence of the glacial movement, which smoothed and softened the northern landscape. On another hill rises a Slavic city, whose inhabitants watch the overseas flotilla with curiosity and anxiety. The execution of multi-colored plows, illuminated by the rays of the setting sun, amazes with its skill and high technique.

The picture reminds fairy tale: the inviting blue of the water, the green of the hills, the ships loaded with goods, the distant towering walls of the ancient city, the transparent skies. The picture is absolutely not static, it is filled with the movement of boats, birds and oars. Petrified and motionless hills give the plot of the picture an intensification of the impression of the arrival of guests from across the sea. In the picture it is impossible to see bright and lively faces, expressive characters and images. Faces are barely distinguishable, and sometimes not visible at all, because Roerich's paintings carry the burden of a common thought, a common feeling, they are a generalized image of antiquity and antiquity.

With all this, any “character” has its own unique face: a city with buildings and walls, Scandinavian boats decorated with picturesque shields and multi-colored dragons, hills sparkling with velvet greenery, sleepy valleys and powerful mountains. With the help of the picture, the artist takes the viewer deep into the centuries, where everyone becomes a contemplator of the unique pagan life of Russia. Before the viewer appear not separately taken images and historical facts, but legendary and imperishable chronicle pages.

It is impossible to overestimate the significance of the work of Nicholas Roerich in contemporary art. He continues to be one of the most sought after artists in the world. The creator, who deeply studied the history of his people, skillfully conveyed its originality in his works, will leave a mark for a long time not only in the memory of the people, but also in the hearts of connoisseurs of high art.

His paintings are imbued with warmth, kindness, love, proof of this is the aforementioned painting "Overseas guests". A picture-holiday, a picture-light, a picture-hope for a peaceful future and the prosperity of a powerful and strong state. The author managed to convince the viewer of the significance of the historical past.

It is impossible to imagine the native Russian land without expanses of water. These are rivers, and lakes, and seas, and oceans. This theme has occupied many artists great place in their creativity. For a long time, merchants transported their goods along the numerous rivers of Russia, people traveled. The painting "Overseas guests" shows one of the waterways of Russia. I read that this path leads to the Nizhny Novgorod lands.

The author in his picture showed overseas guests who arrived in our region. Two large boats cut through the water surface. Merchants carefully peer towards distant, unfamiliar shores. The artist very accurately and colorfully depicted all the details, all the decorations on the boats. He showed both the shields on the stern and the ornate carvings. Above the stern rises the head of a dragon.

The river surface is cut by oars. Only the movement of the boat disturbs the water peace. The water in the picture is very clear, azure blue. It is so crystal clear that you can see the stones at the bottom. White seagulls fly over the water. Perhaps the movement of the ships has frightened them, and they circle around them screaming. It seems that the clear, blue sky is reflected in the river, creating an even more vivid impression of the picture.

No one is visible on the beach. Only in the distance we see a small settlement. It is already difficult to surprise Russian people with something, because they are used to different guests, including warlike ones. Our compatriots have always been able to repulse ill-wishers and defend their independence. If the guests come in peace, they will receive a warm welcome. I think that the guests depicted in the picture arrived for peaceful purposes, not for enmity. The picture turned out very bright, the artist used saturated colors, showing both the beauty of nature and ships. The rook stands out as a bright spot against the background of emerald-colored water and attracts attention, forcing you to admire.

OVERSEAS GUESTS

Nicholas Roerich

There are artists whose life bears the stamp of their unusual nature, original and original attitude to the world. Even a brief biography of Nicholas Konstantinovich Roerich resembles not just a fascinating story, but a whole novel. Soviet art critic I. Petrov notes that he was “a wonderful painter, tireless traveler, passionate researcher, philosopher and poet. He lived in France and Switzerland, Belgium and Holland, England and Germany, Finland and the USA, China and Japan; made trips to Ceylon, the Philippines and Hong Kong, lived in India in recent years.

Not only creativity, but also the bright personality of N. Roerich attracted people to him, even during his lifetime his fame became almost legendary. Roerich's paintings, numbering over 5,000, can be found in leading museums and art collections around the world. In Russia, perhaps, there is no museum or gallery that would not have several of his works. In some museums, entire halls are devoted exclusively to his paintings, and in his honor a 29-story building was erected in New York City in 1929. It seems that for the first time in history a whole museum was built for the masterpieces of one artist during his lifetime.

One of the features of N. Roerich's art, which determined all directions of his creative searches, was the desire to embody images of the distant, heroic past in painting, to penetrate the meaning of ancient legends, to convey all the poetic charm of folk life. Kievan Rus, Viking raids, legends of the Ancient East attracted Roerich at the very beginning of his creative activity. Speaking in 1898-1899 at the St. Petersburg Archaeological Institute with a series of lectures “Artistic Technique as Applied to Archeology”, he said: “In order for a historical picture to make an impression, it is necessary that it takes the viewer to a past era. To do this, the artist must not invent and fantasize, hoping for the unpreparedness of the audience, but in fact it is necessary to study ancient life, as soon as possible, to be imbued with it, to be saturated through and through.

The best example of such penetration into the past was the historical paintings of the great V. Surikov. But he dedicated his work to the events of the Muscovite kingdom of the 16th-17th centuries. And the historical layer that fascinated N. Roerich went back to the time of Kievan Rus and even further - right up to the Stone Age. History becomes for the artist a living part of folk life, the source of the national beginning in Russian art is for him the Russian people, who created amazingly beautiful poetic tales, songs, and artistic products. "When you look at ancient painting, on old tiles or ornaments, you think: “What beautiful life was! What kind strong people lived it! How vital and close to everyone was art ... ”- exclaimed N. Roerich.

AT Russian art N. Roerich entered immediately as a mature master. He graduated from the Academy of Arts with a diploma painting “Messenger. Rise against clan”, which was warmly welcomed by I. Repin and V. Surikov and purchased from the exhibition by P.M. Tretyakov. After the "Messenger", on the advice of I. Repin, N. Roerich leaves for Paris to the studio of the famous historical painter F. Korman. french artist I immediately saw that before him was an already established master, and carefully treated his bright, original talent. When N. Roerich left France, his soul was already full of images of Ancient Russia. Soon he creates a cycle of paintings called “The Beginning of Russia. Slavs".

"Overseas guests" is one of the paintings of this cycle, painted in 1901. She immediately received universal recognition, and the artist made several repetitions of her. The picture also has its own literary version in the short story written by N. Roerich in 1900. With apt, artistically accurate words, he describes floating boats, the prows of which are completed with painted carved dragons. On their sides, colorful shields sparkling in the sun, sails filled with wind, instill fear in enemies. Boats are sailing along the Neva and Volkhov, the Dnieper and Ilmen Lake - to Tsargrad itself. The Varangians go to bargain or to serve... Also in the picture, along the blue smooth surface of the serene sea, painted Varangian boats are slowly moving towards the viewer. The patterned heads of griffin-dragons rise proudly, the steep sides of the ships are decorated with multi-colored shields, the scarlet sails glow against the background of the azure sky. With curiosity, the Vikings crowded at the stern peer into the distance opening before them.

The picture attracts with its colorful festivity. Open, tense tones create a sense of joyful chime bright colors. Red and blue, light blue and golden-brown colors in the decoration of ships, in nature and people's clothes resonate especially next to the whiteness of light clouds and the wings of seagulls flying over the sea. The picturesqueness of this picture opens before the viewer (as well as before the Varangians) a new, hitherto unknown country. And now we already know the pattern folk ornaments and festivity of ancient Russian art. In the memory of the audience, stories beloved from childhood come to life about people of bygone times, about a glorious life fanned by so many poetic legends. Beyond the ages, where true story merges with the myth, and the fabulous turns into reality, these guests live, who came from a foreign country to look at Great Russia.

Not only the boats and the Vikings in helmets sitting in them are historical, but also the landscape of nature itself. wavy lines green hills with rounded boulders remaining in some places - this is the result of the movement of glaciers, which smoothed out, softened the sharp reliefs of the northern landscape. Three mounds are visible on the top of one hill - these are the burial places of leaders. On the other, there is a Slavic town fortified with a tyn and towers, from where, perhaps, the inhabitants look at the flotilla not only with anxiety and excitement, but also with curiosity. The skill of N. Roerich is amazing, with which he painted multi-colored plows illuminated by sunset rays and burning in the sun. The dense blue of the waves cut by ships laden with goods; green hills and walls of a hail rising in the distance; the pure blue of the sky, the joyful radiance of the morning sun - everything makes you believe in a wonderful fairy tale.

The picture is full of movement - slow and heavy in the smooth movement of the rooks, then noisy and light in the hubbub of seagulls and the swing of the oars. Motionless, as if sleeping hills only enhance the impression of the solemn arrival of guests. But, peering into the picture, we will not find in it brightly and vividly painted faces, separate characters, peculiar individualities. The faces of the Vikings are barely visible, and the inhabitants of Russian cities are not visible at all. The Russian artist S. Makovsky noted: “The faces of people on Roerich's canvases are almost invisible. They are the faceless ghosts of centuries. Like trees and animals, like quiet stones of dead villages, like monsters of antiquity, they are merged with the elements of life in the mists of the past. They are without a name... They do not exist separately and as if they never existed: as if before, long ago, in a clear life, they lived by a common thought and a common feeling, together with the trees, stones and monsters of antiquity. On these canvases, shimmering with the dark luxury of ancient mosaics or flooded with pale waves of light, a person sometimes only imagines ... But semi-visible, invisible - he is everywhere.

Indeed, the image created in the painting "Overseas Guests" is not abstract. The sun shines uniquely in the waves and in the sails. The elegant Varangian ships are original, the green coastal hills, houses and walls of a distant city have their own “face”. In its silent buildings, in the sleepy slowness of the valleys and mountains, the dormant power of the country is felt. The artist takes the viewer deep into the centuries, and he becomes an eyewitness to the vibrant pagan life of Ancient Russia. And it is not individual heroes, not an entertaining historical episode, that stand before him, but, as it were, re-read pages of chronicles.