Study of mountains 1931

Nicholas Roerich created this "Study of Mountains" with what appears to be tempera on canvas. The first impression is one of monumentality. The composition is dominated by large, simple geometric forms, the mountains themselves. Roerich’s use of colour is key to understanding his artistic project. Observe how hues of brown and red in the foreground contrast with the blues and whites suggesting snow-capped peaks in the background. This division, articulated by a clear diagonal line, does more than represent depth; it invokes a sense of duality. Roerich was deeply influenced by theosophy, which seeks to uncover hidden meanings within nature and art. His mountain studies are not mere landscapes; they are attempts to capture the spiritual essence of the natural world, inviting us to look beyond the surface and contemplate deeper truths. Consider how the structure and form of the mountains—stark, imposing, and elemental—serve as a conduit for the metaphysical. The ongoing dialogue between representation and abstraction is a testament to art's boundless capacity for innovation and interpretation.