Kalki Avatar 1932

Nicholas Roerich, a Russian artist with a deep interest in Eastern philosophy and spirituality, created this painting. It is made with tempera on canvas. Roerich's choice of tempera is particularly interesting, as it's a fast-drying medium with a matte finish, ideal for capturing the stark, ethereal quality of the Himalayas. Look at how the paint is applied in broad, flat planes of color. This technique gives the mountains a sense of solidity and permanence, while the swirling clouds above seem almost otherworldly. Roerich was deeply inspired by the landscape and culture of the region. His engagement in rendering its majestic scale and spiritual significance, challenges the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, and invites us to consider the profound connection between material, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.