Giants of Lahaul 1931

"Giants of Lahaul" was created by Nicholas Roerich using oil on canvas. Roerich’s choice of oil paint, a medium closely associated with the Western art tradition, is interesting when considered alongside his subject matter – the figures and landscape of the Himalayas. The material qualities of oil paint, its smooth, blendable texture and capacity for layering, allow Roerich to capture the subtle gradations of light and shadow on the mountain faces. The built-up surface gives a feeling of immense scale and age, reflecting the enduring presence of the mountains and the carved figures within. This process, akin to the slow, deliberate act of carving itself, imbues the painting with a sense of timelessness. Roerich’s artistic choices prompt us to think about cultural exchange and artistic traditions. By using Western techniques to depict Eastern subjects, he encourages us to consider how different cultural perspectives can inform artistic expression, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.