Squad of Geser Khan 1931

Nicholas Roerich made this painting, *Squad of Geser Khan,* with tempera on canvas. The matte surface and rich colors are qualities inherent to tempera, which is made by binding pigment with egg yolk or other glutinous material. Tempera paint dries quickly, making it ideal for layering and achieving fine detail. Look closely, and you'll see how Roerich has used these qualities to his advantage. The paint application is precise and controlled, building up the forms of the mountains and figures with distinct strokes. Roerich was deeply interested in the spiritual dimensions of landscape, and in the great sweep of history. The choice of tempera is significant; it connects him to a long lineage of icon painters and medieval artists who also used the medium. In a sense, by using tempera, Roerich is aligning himself with a tradition of devotional art, while at the same time depicting a scene of earthly power. Understanding the materials and making helps us appreciate how Roerich imbued his paintings with both a sense of timelessness and a connection to specific cultural traditions. It challenges us to consider the boundaries between fine art and craft, and to see how artists draw on a wide range of techniques and traditions to create meaning.