Sanctuaries and Citadels 1925

Nicholas Roerich created ‘Sanctuaries and Citadels’ using tempera, and the resulting textured surface gives the landscape a tangible, almost architectural quality. Roerich’s composition is dominated by massive, angular forms of mountains, their stark geometry softened by muted earth tones, punctuated by the pale structures of the citadels. This interplay between natural and built forms creates a visual dialogue about civilization's place within the landscape. The work's strength lies in its simplification, where Roerich reduces the scene to essential shapes and colors. This abstraction allows the mountains to become almost symbolic, resonating with the viewer on a primal level. Roerich’s interest in the spiritual and the monumental is clear. He is not just painting a landscape but also constructing an icon, a space where the earthly meets the transcendent. This painting functions as a stage, setting a scene for contemplation and inviting us to consider the enduring relationship between humanity and nature.