Lotus 1933

Nicholas Roerich created this painting, Lotus, with tempera, probably sometime in the first half of the twentieth century. Look at how he’s built the painting with these really defined, blocky segments. I can imagine him layering the paint on, one color at a time, almost like he’s building a stage set. The shapes are sharply defined and the palette is quite subdued, almost earthy, but with these surprising pops of color, like that bright turquoise water. I'm wondering if he started with the ochre sky, or if he built up the lower parts first. I imagine Roerich wanting to create a sense of spiritual stillness and contemplation. What was he seeking from these remote, mountainous landscapes? It’s as if he’s trying to capture something eternal. The lotus flower, held in the figure’s hands, is a little gem of detail, and links the earth and the sky as if to represent the possibility of enlightenment. The light in this picture makes me think of other symbolist painters I love, like Odilon Redon. When we look at a painting, we continue the artist’s spiritual and creative journey.