Perm iconostasis 1907

This Perm iconostasis lives at the Perm State Art Gallery in Russia and was created by Nicholas Roerich. Just imagine the artist, Roerich, standing before this wooden structure, brush in hand, layering gold leaf to create an ethereal glow. There's a distinct Russian folk art feel to it, and, thinking as a painter, I wonder about the decisions that Roerich made to render these iconic figures with such a personal touch. Look closely, and you'll see how the paint isn’t uniformly applied; instead, Roerich coaxes the gold to create a warm, light-filled surface. The figures are enshrined within the golden wood and adorned with halos of light, but feel earthy. Roerich, like many artists, found inspiration in the art of the past. His Perm iconostasis pays homage to the rich tradition of icon painting while bringing his own artistic sensibilities to the fore. This piece is a reminder that artists are always in conversation with one another, building upon the ideas and techniques of those who came before.