Bum-Erdeni 1947

Nicholas Roerich painted Bum-Erdeni with tempera on canvas sometime in the first half of the twentieth century. Roerich's brushstrokes are very deliberate, they build a sense of drama with bold lines and vibrant colours. It’s all about process, watching the forms emerge from the paint, just like the mythical mountain god facing the warrior. The sky is a gorgeous mix of reds and oranges, like fire or a sunset, and then you’ve got these deep blues and purples in the mountains and shadows, creating a sense of depth and mystery. The paint isn’t too thick, but you can still see the texture of the brushstrokes. Check out the way Roerich painted the warrior on his horse, notice how he uses a series of small marks to build up the form. It's this detail that brings the whole scene to life. You might think of someone like Hilma af Klint, who was also into spiritual themes and using art to explore deeper truths. Roerich’s work isn’t about easy answers, it’s about the questions.