The painting of the western wall of the chapel of St. Anastasia 1913

Nicholas Roerich created this mural in the chapel of St. Anastasia with a fresco technique. It is all blues and ochres and gold. I can imagine him, brush in hand, layering the pigments directly onto the wet plaster, working quickly but decisively. Roerich’s marks are soft, almost faded, like a memory or a dream. The figures seem to emerge from the wall itself. I see the angels framing the window, guardians of the chapel. The paint is thin, allowing the texture of the plaster to show through, creating a sense of depth and history. The angel's wings are stylized, ornamental, they carry a symbolic weight. Roerich’s wider practice often explored spiritual and mystical themes, reflecting his interest in the intersection of art and religion. Like other muralists, such as Diego Rivera, he embraced the idea of public art as a way to engage with wider audiences. This intimate painting, like all paintings, prompts us to consider the ongoing dialogue between artists across time.