Against the background of the blue mountains, a lone silhouette of a woman sitting on a cobby horse is depicted, in a red long caftan and a national Mongolian headdress with two large horn-like ornaments.

Like with many great politicians and brilliant chieftains, a faithful and wise mentor was at the source of Genghis Khan’s glory. This mentor was his mother named Oelun, which means “the Great”. The Mongol chroniclers call it “the wife of honor, advice, reason and cold determination”. Even during her lifetime, people composed songs about the wisdom of The Mother of Genghis Khan. Oelun, a strategist and a far-sighted politician, always protected the interests of her son, closely followed their environment, collected steppe news and rumors and gave timely advice. Largely due to his mother, Genghis Khan became the political and religious leader of his people.

“When I painted the picture “The Mother of Genghis Khan”, I recalled an episode from the Genghis’ biography, as one day all his friends turned away from him and his mother told him: “Remember, my son, that only your shadow follows you”. Perhaps, thoughts of loneliness, filled the heart of this lone rider,”

(From the letter of N.K. Roerich to V.F. Bulgakov dated February 17, 1938. // Bulgakov V.F. Meetings with Artists.)

According to Yury, a son of N. K. Roerich, in the picture “The Mother of Genghis Khan” the artist expressed Nikolay Konstantinovich’s love and respect for Mongolia.

Peering into the distance, Oelun yearns for his son and is proud of him. A real, lively image of Mongolia and the image-symbol of the mother, who brought up a fearless hero, are merged into a beautiful work of art.