1901
oil on canvas
85 х 112,5

The picture's theme suggests associations with poetical images of A.S.Pushkin's fairy tale about Tzar Saltan. In actual fact, it reflects in a symbolically generalized form [a page from] the ancient history of the Slavs: the Varangians reaching Rus. The manner of the picture's execution resembles the technique of glass painting, or painted wood carving, where bright patches of paint are confined to a rigid linear frame. This device, typical of the stylistic manner of Art Nouveau, found a spectacular application in the work by Rerikh, who achieved a fusion of easel painting and applied art. Proud Varangian boats, the knights standing in them, the town seen in the distance on top an island are similar to painted wooden toys. The ornamental flatness of the image does not prevent the artist from conveying the idea of a ship gliding fast "with outspread sails" over a glossy surface of the sea. By opting for a drastic reduction of space, Rerikh achieves the effect of the boat's impestuous drive straight towards the viewer. It seems to be breaking through the plane of the image, from a closed, seemingly magical circular motion around the island.