Forthcoming (Stylites) 1918

Nicholas Roerich painted Forthcoming (Stylites) using tempera on canvas sometime in the first half of the 20th century. Roerich, deeply influenced by the Theosophical Society, imbues his art with a spiritual quest, often drawing from Eastern religions and philosophies. Here, a stylite, a type of Christian ascetic who lives on top of a column, stands isolated amidst a rugged, mountainous landscape. This figure embodies the ideals of renunciation and solitary devotion. Roerich's artistic quest often merged with a search for a universal spirituality. The choice of a stylite, a figure from Christian asceticism, reflects Roerich's broader interest in spiritual practices across different cultures. Roerich's paintings offer a vision of transcendence. They provide an avenue for exploring personal and collective identity. By inviting viewers to engage with themes of spiritual searching and transformation, Roerich prompts us to reflect on our own journeys and beliefs.