Monhegan (study) 1922

Nicholas Roerich made this sketch, Monhegan (study), with pencil on paper. Roerich lived through the end of Tsarist Russia, the Russian Revolution, and both World Wars, and he often depicted natural landscapes with a spiritual depth. Here we see a series of rocks leading to the sea. Roerich was a mystic who believed in the spiritual power of nature, and his sketches are usually preparation for a larger painting. This study reflects his interest in nature as a source of profound insight. His landscapes often express a longing for peace and harmony. Roerich's quest for spiritual meaning infuses his works with a serene yet powerful presence, inviting viewers to connect with the deeper, often unseen, aspects of the world around us. Roerich stated, "Art unites all. Art is one." He believed that art could transcend cultural and political boundaries, and this sketch exemplifies his approach to landscape as a place of unity.