Father Frost 1912

Nicholas Roerich painted "Father Frost" in what looks like tempera or gouache, a medium that dries quickly and allows for layering, giving the piece a unique texture. Look closely. See how the white paint isn't just white? It's got hints of blue and gray mixed in, giving it that icy, otherworldly feel. The way Roerich handles the paint is fascinating. It's almost like he's building up the image, stroke by stroke. Take a look at the beard—each stroke seems deliberate, creating a sense of depth and movement. I love how the crisp edges of the angular shapes contrast with the flowing lines of the beard. Roerich was deeply interested in spiritual themes. Father Frost reminds me a bit of Hilma af Klint, in the way he used art to explore mystical ideas, and to visualise the invisible forces in the world around us. The beauty of a piece like this is that it invites us to bring our own interpretations to the table. There's no right or wrong answer.