The destruction of Atlantis 1928

Nicholas Roerich painted ‘The Destruction of Atlantis’ with what looks like tempera, resulting in a very matte surface, that helps give a feeling of coolness and distance. Roerich’s colour palette is really interesting. He uses a limited range of blues and greys with some creams to create a world that feels both ancient and otherworldly. The paint application is smooth and even, which gives the painting a sense of calm, even amidst the depicted chaos. Look at the shapes of the clouds, they seem to have a life of their own, almost echoing the forms of the buildings below. This interplay between natural and man-made structures is really compelling. Roerich reminds me of Hilma af Klint, both were artists interested in spirituality and the occult, who sought to express unseen realities through their art. Art is a constant conversation, always building upon what came before.