One who safeguards 

Nicholas Roerich painted “One who safeguards” using tempera on canvas, a technique favored for its matte finish and luminous colors. Roerich mixed dry pigments with an emulsion, likely egg yolk, a time-honored method dating back to antiquity. The quick-drying nature of tempera demands a deliberate, layered approach. You can see the influence of this medium in the painting’s distinct texture, almost fresco-like, achieved through meticulous brushwork. The colors are earthy and resonant, evoking the rugged landscape. Roerich's deep engagement with theosophy and spirituality deeply influenced his artistic choices. Tempera, with its historical associations and symbolic purity, suited his quest to convey profound spiritual experiences. He deliberately chose materials and techniques that connected him to a lineage of artists who sought to capture the ethereal and convey profound truths through their craft. By considering the materials and making of “One who safeguards,” we can see that the artwork is imbued with cultural significance. It encourages us to challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.