Wisdom of Manu 1916

Nicholas Roerich made Wisdom of Manu with tempera on canvas. The painting feels like a dreamscape, with the mountains and ancient buildings rendered in soft, muted tones. Roerich’s world has such a distinct sensibility. Imagine him standing before the canvas, layering colors, one thin stroke at a time. He’s building up this strange otherworldly topography, dot after dot. There’s a real push and pull between the flat decorative surface and the illusion of depth. The surface almost vibrates! See how Roerich uses these tiny strokes to define the forms, to give them volume and weight. The colors, though muted, are surprisingly luminous, as if lit from within. The water is kind of menacing, and the smiling fish is a bit scary too. Is it just me? This painting reminds me of the work of Symbolist artists like Gustav Moreau, who were also interested in exploring mythological and spiritual themes. I imagine that artists throughout time will continue to find inspiration in one another's work, echoing ideas and pushing boundaries. Painting is just this ongoing conversation, right?