Girls 1944

Nicholas Roerich painted "Girls" using tempera on cardboard, and it presents us with a captivating scene rich in symbolism. The central figure is holding a garland, an ancient symbol often associated with celebration, honor, or a cycle of life. Garlands appear in countless forms across cultures, from Ancient Greece to the Renaissance, representing everything from victory to spiritual devotion. In this painting, the garland extends upwards to the sky, almost like an offering. The collective memory of the raised arms, like the garland, might elicit an unconscious connection to ritualistic practices, or simply joy and reverence. The power of this image resides not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in its ability to tap into our collective subconscious, stirring emotions that transcend time and cultural boundaries. Like a distant echo, the cyclical nature of the garland becomes more than decoration, becoming a potent symbol that resurfaces in new contexts throughout history.