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Video: How to decipher the symbols in the painting by Roerich, which he wrote from the dreams of his wife: "Mother of the World"
2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55
In 1924 Nicholas Roerich wrote two versions of "Mother of the World". Both works were exhibited at the New York Museum and made a huge impression on the public. Interestingly, these non-standard paintings were painted on the basis of the vision of Elena Ivanovna, the artist's wife.
About the master
Nicholas Roerich is a Russian artist, writer and philosopher. In his youth, he was interested in hypnosis and spiritual practices, and his paintings are said to have a hypnotic expression. Carried away by Eastern philosophical and religious movements, Roerich considered it his duty to convey these meanings to people who were far from them. Expressing himself through what he did best - through painting, he simultaneously popularized what he believed in. Even if people did not understand the meaning of the paintings, they could show interest, Roerich believed. And when people become interested, they begin to study the information. And then faith arises in him. Interesting dreams of his wife, Helena Roerich, contributed to the artist's creative energy.
Mother of the World
"Mother of the World" is one of his most optimistic and vivid paintings by the artist. The main message of the picture is that the Dark Era is coming to an end and the Light begins.
As mentioned above, there are two versions of "Mother". Both options are very similar to each other. The same motive and the same color palette. Both versions were originally located in New York, but the first version was later purchased for the Moscow Roerich Museum. Among the visual differences, we can say that the former is more restrained, while the latter contains more decorative elements. Also, the master applied more artistic techniques in it, which made it possible to depict the play of light.
Plot
On a mountainous majestic throne sits she - the main heroine of Roerich's plot - the Great Mother, who was called differently in different religions, but the main essence remained unchanged. The Empress is in the Tarot lasso, symbolizing the mother. Virgin Mary is the Christian reflection of the mother. Also "Mother of the World" is equivalent to Lakshmi and Kali in India. The painting is one of the most inspiring images of Roerich, majestically rendered in deep tones of blue and purple.
The mother's face in Roerich's painting is hidden under the mantle. But the author opened the lower part, shining through with an incredible bronze shine. The half-open mantle speaks of the approach of a bright, happy and inevitable era. Free waves of the tunic fall down the mountains without affecting the water surface. The robe symbolizes harmony and order in everything that surrounds the Mother of the World.
The mantle is decorated with floral ornaments and animals, and this is no accident. The Mother of the World is life itself, giving life to the kingdoms of plants, animals, and elemental forces. On the garment we see Sirin - mysterious and magical birds of joy. The Robe covers Her entire figure. And we feel both strength, power, protection and sophistication and elegance at the same time.
Behind her are 12 bright golden stars, illuminated by a magical halo. Among them, in radiance and glory, right above the Mother's head is the morning star, also foreshadowing joy for all.
Mother's hands are turned to humanity, to the entire Universe. Please note that the gesture is very similar to the shape of a heart, consisting of two halves. This is a heart with an ever-flowing, inexhaustible creative energy. It is, as it were, a symbol of a chalice - a vessel of accumulations of spirit crystals. In the solar plexus region, we see a blossoming flower - a symbol of the Fiery World. On the neck there is a decorative double amulet. The wrists are decorated with fringed cuffs. Ten visible mountains serve as the Mother's throne, and around them flows a river symbolizing the endless river of life. The river is movement and time. The fish swimming in it are people, their fates, looking for themselves in an endless flow and their meaning in life. In the lower right and left corners, a woman and a man in a kneeling position peek out from behind the rocks. Their poses express admiration and awe.
The enchanting radiance reflects the Mother of the World into cosmic infinity. A diamond-shaped halo sparkles above her head. A purple halo illuminates her entire figure, while blue and ultramarine halos radiate downward.
Philosophical basis of the picture
Here is how Roerich himself describes his work: “Mother of the World! How much extraordinarily touching and powerful have merged in this sacred concept of all ages and peoples. Cosmic waves are approaching this great concept to human consciousness … The Teachings speak of the coming epoch of the Mother of the World. Close to all hearts, revered by the mind of every born Mother of the World again becomes at the great helm. The one who understands this Face of evolution will be happy and safe."
For Nicholas Roerich, the husband of Helena Roerich, the Mother of the World was the highest symbol of world unity, the most universal of all great teachers. He painted her many times throughout his career. She was often depicted with eyes covered with a blue veil, which meant certain secrets of the universe that were not yet revealed to man. Many pagan, ancient religions worshiped not the creator, but the goddess who gave life to the world at the dawn of time. This is the most ancient archetype of the mother who gives, protects and embodies the Great Mother.
We talked about other signs that Roerich used in the material Old Russian matrices of the period of dual faith depicting animals, birds, mythical creatures and other subjects.
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