Elders Gathering 1898

Nicholas Roerich, painted "Elders Gathering," although the exact date remains unknown, the piece likely emerged during a period of heightened interest in folklore and spirituality. In “Elders Gathering” we see a group of men gathered around what appears to be a pagan altar. The spiritual and cultural life of indigenous communities is central to Roerich’s work. In the early 20th century, there was a cultural fascination with rediscovering ancient wisdom and traditions and Roerich was part of that search. Roerich had a deep interest in the spiritual dimensions of human experience. The image hints at rituals and ceremonies that connect these elders to the natural world. These gatherings might have been spaces where knowledge was passed down, decisions were made, and the community's identity was reinforced. The ruggedness of their garments and tools speaks to a life lived close to the earth, where survival and spirituality were intertwined. Roerich was often seeking a more harmonious way of life, and "Elders Gathering" reflects this aspiration. It’s as though he is asking us to consider what we have lost in our modern world and what wisdom we might regain by looking to the past.