Himalayas 

Nicholas Roerich made this painting of the Himalayas in the early- to mid-20th century, but the specific date is unknown. What is evident is his deep engagement with theosophy, a philosophy popular in intellectual circles at the time. The image evokes a sense of spiritual transcendence and the sublime, a theme that was also relevant in Europe. Roerich’s approach was to depict the landscape in a modernist visual style, simplifying forms and using bold colors to convey emotional and spiritual meaning. Born in Russia, he spent many years in India and became deeply influenced by Eastern religions and philosophies. The Himalayas, for Roerich, represented a sacred space and a source of spiritual insight. His paintings can be seen as a form of cultural exchange, blending Western artistic techniques with Eastern spiritual themes. When examining such artwork, scholars often delve into the artist's biography and the social and intellectual context in which the art was made. Understanding the artist’s personal beliefs and the cultural milieu can shed light on the meaning and significance of such artistic expressions.