And we labor 1922

Nicholas Roerich painted 'And we labor' in an unknown year with tempera on canvas. It depicts workers against a backdrop of Russian architecture. Painted in the early 20th century, a time of social and political upheaval, the image speaks to the enduring nature of labor and the spiritual dimensions of everyday life. The painting creates meaning through its stylized forms, muted colors, and symbolic imagery. The artist references Russia's rich cultural heritage while also engaging with contemporary concerns about the role of work and faith in a rapidly changing society. The figures are anonymous, and the overall effect is one of timelessness and universality, perhaps critiquing the social disruption of modernity. To understand this artwork better, we can research Roerich's other works and writings, explore the history of Russian religious art, and investigate the socio-political context of Russia during the early 20th century.