Monhegan (study) 1922

Nicholas Roerich made this pencil study called "Monhegan" at an unknown date. It captures the essence of the rugged Maine island. Roerich, a Russian artist, was deeply involved in the spiritual and cultural movements of his time. This sketch may appear to be a simple landscape, but consider the cultural context. Monhegan Island, in the early 20th century, was becoming an artist colony. Roerich's choice to depict this location speaks to his involvement in the American art scene and perhaps reflects his search for places imbued with a particular kind of spiritual or artistic energy. The sketch's simplicity might be seen as a commentary on the burgeoning art market, where even preliminary studies could hold value. To fully appreciate Roerich's work, one must delve into his writings, his involvement in theosophy, and the history of artist communities like Monhegan. Art, in this sense, is never created in a vacuum but is a product of its time, place, and the artist's complex relationship with the world.