Hidden Treasure 1947

Nicholas Roerich made this painting, "Hidden Treasure," sometime in the first half of the 20th century, location unknown, using tempera on canvas. I love how Roerich simplifies the mountain range, carving out solid shapes with abrupt shifts in color. The mountains are these massive, dark, brooding forms, contrasted with the almost luminous red hues in the sky. And then there's that boat, a little dark crescent, with an almost indiscernible figure. The paint seems thinly applied, creating a matte surface that emphasizes the shapes and colors. The textures are subtle. The whole composition feels like a stage set, the light hitting that strange rock formation, drawing our eye to its mysterious interior, a possible source of hidden riches, perhaps. Roerich’s simplified forms remind me of Marsden Hartley, another artist who aimed to capture the spiritual essence of nature. Ultimately, this painting, with its bold colors and simplified forms, invites us to contemplate the mysteries hidden within the landscape and within ourselves.