Sketch of costumes for "Tale of Tsar Saltan" 1919

Nicholas Roerich painted this sketch of costumes for "Tale of Tsar Saltan" with gouache, and what strikes me first is how the medium itself seems to mimic fabric. The colours are muted, earthy, like dyes from nature. Roerich’s application of gouache is beautifully opaque; the pigment sits on the surface, creating a flat, matte finish. The texture is built up with layers, particularly noticeable in the women’s garments. Look at the folds and patterns on their skirts. You can almost feel the weight and texture of the fabric. Each brushstroke feels intentional, almost reverent. It's like he's not just painting fabric, but embodying its essence. Roerich reminds me of Klimt, in the way he elevates craft and pattern to the level of high art. Both artists share a fascination with folklore and a desire to imbue their work with a sense of spiritual depth. This piece revels in the process of making, where each layer builds upon the last, like a story being told.