Giantess Krimgerd 1918

Nicholas Roerich made this drawing, "Giantess Krimgerd," with what looks like graphite, and it is all about seeing, thinking, and feeling. It's fascinating how Roerich uses simple lines to suggest so much depth. There's this boat, sort of awkwardly sailing, and then these massive, looming rocks in the foreground. It's like he's playing with scale, making the boat seem almost insignificant against this primordial landscape. Look at the way he renders the rocks, these soft, rounded forms that feel almost alive. It's not about precision; it’s about capturing the essence of these monumental forms. The texture he creates with the graphite gives them a sense of weight and presence. I wonder if Marsden Hartley ever saw this image, there's something similar in their approach to nature. Ultimately, this drawing reminds us that art is an ongoing conversation, and it's okay if we don't have all the answers.