In a foreign bank 1894

Nicholas Roerich created this sketch, titled “In a Foreign Bank,” using pencil on paper. Roerich was a Russian artist, explorer, and public figure whose life spanned periods of intense social and political upheaval, including World War I, the Russian Revolution, and World War II. Roerich's artistic endeavors were deeply entwined with his spiritual beliefs and his search for profound connections between humanity and the cosmos. As you look at the sketch, consider how the fluidity and incompleteness of the lines might reflect a sense of impermanence, mirroring the artist's feelings during times of displacement and change. Roerich was interested in the spiritual and cultural heritage of the East, especially India and Tibet. This influenced his painting and the philosophy he espoused: “The more we know, the richer, deeper, and clearer becomes the meaning of all that is around us.” As you consider Roerich's words, let the sketch be a reminder of the interconnectedness of cultures and the shared human experience.