Trans-Himalayas, view from Saga-Dzong 1928

'Trans-Himalayas, view from Saga-Dzong' is a landscape painting by Nicholas Roerich, who was born in Russia in 1874. Roerich was deeply interested in Eastern religions, and his spiritual quest took him to India and Tibet where he made studies of the landscapes. In this painting, we see the mountains not as imposing physical barriers but as sites of spiritual transcendence. His use of color and form simplifies the rugged terrain into softer, more mystical shapes. The pastel shades could evoke a sense of ethereal beauty, but perhaps also obscure the region’s complex socio-political realities. Roerich once wrote, “Art will unite all humanity.” Here, the Himalayas become a symbol of unity and peace, reflecting Roerich’s own spiritual and philosophical beliefs. Yet we must also consider how such idealized representations can inadvertently flatten the lived experiences and histories of the diverse communities within these landscapes. As we contemplate this work, let’s consider how our own perspectives shape what we see and understand about the world.