Procopius the Righteous removes a cloud of stone from the Great Ustyug 1913

Nicholas Roerich made this drawing of Procopius the Righteous removing a cloud of stone with graphite, and what strikes me first is the way he's layered the marks to create a sense of both vastness and intimacy. Look at the cloud itself – it’s this looming presence, but it’s built from these delicate, almost scribbled lines. You can practically feel Roerich’s hand moving across the paper, testing different pressures, building up the density. The surface has a kind of hazy quality to it, a real feeling of atmosphere. Then, down below, the figure of Procopius is rendered with such careful detail, standing amidst these simplified, rounded stones. The contrast between the stormy sky and the still earth creates this tension that draws you in. It reminds me a little of Odilon Redon, that same interest in the mystical, combined with a deep understanding of the materials and process. Like any good artwork, it opens up this space for contemplation, inviting us to bring our own interpretations and experiences.