The artwork titled “Zmievna” was created by the artist Nicholas Roerich in 1906. Rendered in tempera on cardboard, this piece belongs to the Art Nouveau movement, often referred to as Modern. The dimensions of the work are 50 by 89 centimeters. As a religious painting, it is housed in the Roerich Museum located in Moscow, Russia.
In the composition, a medieval knight adorned in ornate armor rides a gallant, pale horse. The knight appears to be engaging a serpentine creature that dominates the foreground with its sinuous form. Behind the creature, a crowned, ethereal figure with flowing, golden hair stands as if overseeing the scene. The background is imbued with a sense of mythic atmosphere, featuring a tumultuous sky and surreal form elements. The use of rich, earthy colors and intricate detailing reflects the influences of the Art Nouveau style, highlighting the mystical and allegorical themes embedded within this religious painting.
