Fiery FurnaceNikolaj Rerih · 1905

Identification of Fiery Furnace by Nicholas Roerich

The painting Fiery Furnace was created in 1905 by the Russian Symbolist artist Nicholas Roerich. This genre painting is categorized within the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. The work measures 63 x 49 cm and utilizes a combination of media, specifically gouache, ink, cardboard, and tempera.

Nicholas Roerich produced this piece during a period of transition in his career. The physical composition of the work relies on the application of these various materials onto a textured cardboard surface. This specific combination of ink and tempera contributes to the visual properties of the 1905 work.

Other works associated with Nicholas Roerich include:

• Study of a Boy
• Saint Nicholas, 1916

Visual Composition and Subject Matter

The composition centers on a church edifice surrounded by a large group of individuals. At least thirteen people are visible within the scene, positioned in various locations from the immediate foreground to the background. These figures are gathered before the structure, appearing as a congregation in a state of assembly. The lighting in the scene is provided by several candles placed throughout the area, including near the church and on both sides of the central space. This candlelight illuminates the figures and the architectural elements of the building.

Specific objects are placed at the periphery of the central gathering. A clock is located in the top left corner of the frame, while a second clock is positioned at the bottom right side. The arrangement of the people suggests a structured presence around the church, with some individuals engaged in conversation or specific activities. The scene depicts a moment of communal gathering within a religious or ceremonial context.

Technique and Artistic Materials

The execution of this work involves a combination of gouache, ink, tempera, and cardboard. Roerich applied these materials through a specific process of layering thin washes of color over a textured cardboard substrate. This method produces a surface that is texturally complex and possesses a distinct luminosity. The physical properties of the cardboard provide a foundation for the depth achieved through these successive layers of pigment.

Color is utilized to define the figures and the surrounding environment. The palette consists of deep reds, oranges, and yellows. These hues are applied to establish the forms of the individuals and the architectural elements within the scene. The application of tempera and gouache allows for a controlled distribution of pigment across the surface, contributing to the overall visual clarity of the composition.

Current Location and Collections

The physical presence of this 1905 work is maintained within the Tretyakov Gallery located in Moscow, Russia. This institution holds the piece as part of its permanent holdings. The painting is also documented within the digital and physical archives of Artchive.com.

Beyond these primary institutional settings, the artwork is included in the collections of Mus3ums.com and Mus3ums.com. These various repositories provide access to the work through different archival and commercial frameworks. The presence of the piece across these specific entities ensures its continued availability for study and viewing within these established collections.