Banner of Peace 1931

Nicholas Roerich painted this 'Banner of Peace', probably in the Himalayas, with tempera on canvas. You can almost feel the crisp mountain air. The composition uses a very limited range of blues, whites, and purples. Look at how Roerich has built up the image through these soft washes of colour, one over the other. The paint is thinly applied, it's almost transparent, allowing the viewer to see the layers beneath. The layering of the paint creates a luminous effect. The mountains in the background fade into the distance, creating a sense of depth and vastness. And then there's this bolder, upright stone at the front, bearing the ‘Pax Cultura’ symbol. It’s a striking motif that seems ancient and futuristic all at once. It puts me in mind of Hilma af Klint’s spiritual paintings, searching for hidden knowledge. Like so much good art, this piece leaves you with more questions than answers, inviting you to meditate on the mysteries it presents.