Alexander Nevsky 1942

Nicholas Roerich’s Alexander Nevsky presents a painted scene of battle. The colours are striking, the reds and oranges of the sky clashing with the cool blues and purples of the landscape below. It’s as if the world itself is participating in the drama of the conflict. The paint application is so interesting here. It feels like Roerich is using these simple, almost geometric forms to build a sense of depth and space. The way he simplifies the figures, their armor, and even the horses, it’s like he's reducing everything to its most essential form. Look at the fallen soldier near the front, and how it’s mostly dark shadow. I'm reminded of the work of El Greco. Both artists were interested in spiritual matters, and both were interested in painting figures in ways that were somewhat removed from everyday reality. Roerich seems to invite us to consider not just the historical events, but also the deeper spiritual and existential questions that they raise. This painting is a conversation, and we're invited to join in.