“In the Russian chronicles of the XII century it
is said that for a long time the shores of river Dnieper were populated with tribes."They
had own customs and laws of their fathers, and traditions."The picture
shows one of the aspects of the life of the pagan Slavs - the collection of
tribute princely retinue.” (A.Yuferova, Nicholas Roerich.)
“The motion in the painting is plane, depth of
space and air environment are not being manifested. There are only two
dimensions: up and down. In Russian icons, such construction is justified by
the content: it depicted ethereal and symbolic world, actions were fixed forever.
However, it is not accidental that Roerich chooses the same principle of
composition. Thus, he affirms the ethical significance of the plot. The artist
shows the spiritual and creative life of ancient Slavs, their comprehension of
the forces of nature, their work and protection of their native land. Certain
symbolism lies in the coloring of the painting, where the predominant red color
is associated with the images of Fire and Sun.”(L.V.Korotkina. N.K.Roerich, "Artists of
Russia")