In the Gothic art, rose meant a special stained-glass window, referring to “The Mystical Rose” in the medieval theology. In the Roerich’s painting, it is recalled by two windows with compositions of colored glass. These windows seem to shine and radiate the heavenly light. The whole picture is like transparent flame; its colors create the illusion of a glow, like gothic stained-glass windows carrying emanations of the divine energy. The diptych is dedicated to the intimate unity of two hearts in their service to the Supreme. By his lyrical intonation, artistic expressiveness and spiritual depth, it echoes the works of the Proto-Renaissance, preaching an exalted love for a woman. In these times, the mysterious Order of the Rose and Cross was established and the famous “Roman about the Rose” was created, the main hero of which was the Poet in love with Rosa. The theme of this painting was inspired by the French allegorical poem.

(Yu.Yu. Budnikova, E.P. Matochkin “The Mysteries of the Rose”. Voskhod Magazine, No. 2 (214), February, 2012.)