Chandra-Bhaga (Path to Triloknath) 1932

Nicholas Roerich painted ‘Chandra-Bhaga (Path to Triloknath)’ using oil on canvas, and its date is unknown. The canvas is completely covered in paint, layer upon layer, like the landscape itself. There’s a real push-pull between representation and abstraction. I get a sense that Roerich wasn’t afraid to let the paint do its thing. The brushstrokes are visible, each one a testament to his process, building the image from the ground up. I love the way Roerich uses color. The blues and purples of the mountains are so evocative. Check out the foreground, where the earth tones create a sense of warmth and groundedness, contrasting with the cool hues in the distance. Look closely at the peak of the furthest mountain; the white is thick and creamy, almost sculptural. It’s like Roerich is inviting us to touch the untouchable. Roerich reminds me of Marsden Hartley, who also painted landscapes with a deep sense of spiritual connection to the land. These works aren’t just about seeing; they're about feeling, imagining, and connecting with something bigger than ourselves.