10 facts about the artist, philosopher and traveler Nikolai Roerich

Born into the family of a notary

Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich was born on October 9, 1874, in Saint Petersburg, into the family of a notary. There were four children in the Roerich family. The father singled out Nikolai from childhood, considered him the most capable of his sons and planned to pass the family business — the notary office — to him. However, Nikolai himself was passionate about painting, archaeology and history and dreamed of an artistic career.

Nikolai Roerich. 1900. Photo: State Museum of the East

Studied at two universities simultaneously

In 1893 Nikolai enrolled in the Imperial Academy of Arts and the Law Faculty of Saint Petersburg University. From 1895 he studied in the studio of the famous painter Arkhip Kuindzhi. In the same period he began close contacts with well-known cultural figures of that time — Vladimir Stasov, Ilya Repin, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Dmitry Grigorovich and Sergei Diaghilev. Roerich's diploma painting "The Messenger" was purchased by Pavel Tretyakov.

Nikolai Roerich. The Messenger (A Lineage Rose Against Lineage). 1897

Conducted independent archaeological excavations

From 1892 Nikolai Roerich led excavations in various provinces of Russia and assembled an extensive collection of Stone Age artifacts — more than 30,000 items (the collection is exhibited at the Hermitage). From 1898 to 1903 he lectured at the Petersburg Archaeological Institute and took an active part in establishing the Commission for the Registration of Antiquities in Saint Petersburg. Among his archaeological achievements are the discovery of a burial complex in the Saint Petersburg region and the uncovering of several Neolithic sites on the Valdai.

Drawing of burial mounds from the "Report on the excavations of 1896 in the Yamburg and Peterhof uezds of the Saint Petersburg Governorate, carried out by N.K. Roerich." Photo: gallery.facets.ru

Was a versatile artist

Nikolai Roerich worked in easel, monumental and theatrical painting. He created sketches for churches and mosaics, designed theatrical productions such as "The Snow Maiden," "Peer Gynt," "Princess Malen," "The Valkyrie," Diaghilev's "Russian Seasons," and produced monumental friezes for the Bazhanov House. His early works were devoted to Old Russian themes, but from 1905 Roerich deepened his study of cultural ties between Russia and India, and Eastern motifs appeared in his later work. Over his creative career Roerich produced more than 7,000 canvases.

Made a successful academic career

Nikolai Roerich managed to make a brilliant academic career, for which he was repeatedly criticized and accused of excessive concern for his advancement and personal success. Roerich served as director of the school of the Imperial Society for the Encouragement of the Arts — according to Alexander Benois, in a few years he performed a miracle and turned a backwater applied school into an exemplary art educational institution. Roerich also worked as assistant editor of the art magazine "Art and Artistic Industry" and headed the artistic association "World of Art."

Lived in exile after the Revolution

After the October Revolution and the Finnish civil war, Nikolai Roerich and his family ended up in Finland, where he held exhibitions, participated in anti-Bolshevik activities, and created new works of art and literature. The family then moved to London, where Roerich worked on theatrical productions, strengthened ties with cultural figures and joined the Theosophical Society. In 1920 he began a major exhibition tour of the United States, where he also created new series of paintings. Over three years Roerich visited 29 U.S. cities with his works.

Portrait photo of Roerich. Chicago. 1921.

Organized the Institute of United Arts and an art association in Chicago

His stay in America left a lasting mark on world heritage. Roerich organized the Institute of United Arts in Chicago and an art association called "The Fiery Heart." In 1922 the International Cultural Center "Crown of the World" was established; in 1923, together with Georgy Grebenshchikov, Roerich founded the publishing house "Alatas." Together with New York businessman L. Horsch he established the Roerich Museum, as well as commercial enterprises "World Service. Pancosmos Corporation" and "Beluha Corporation."

Became the initiator and inspirer of the Roerich Pact

Nikolai Roerich was the initiator of the Roerich Pact, which became the first international treaty for the protection of cultural heritage in wartime and peacetime. The Pact was signed on April 15, 1935 in Washington by representatives of twenty-one countries. It influenced the formation of international law in this field and served as a basis for UNESCO's activities and the 1954 Hague Convention. The Pact's symbol became the Banner of Peace, uniting the past, present and future in a circle of eternity.

Banner of Peace

After 1935 he settled in India

After 1935 Nikolai Roerich lived in India, where he created more than a thousand paintings and numerous literary works. His work received wide recognition: museums and exhibition halls dedicated to Roerich opened in various countries; books and magazines about his life and work were published; and cultural centers and academies promoting his ideas and methods were founded. In India Roerich enjoyed special respect; his works were actively exhibited and acquired by museums and private collectors. Roerich was personally acquainted with prominent Indian philosophers, scholars, writers and public figures.

Envelope with a stamp featuring N. K. Roerich. India. 1974.

In his later years he unsuccessfully tried to return to his homeland

During World War II, while in India, Nikolai Roerich financially supported the Red Army and actively spoke in support of the Soviet people, creating works of art dedicated to Russia and foretelling victory over fascism. Despite numerous letters and appeals, Roerich was unable to return to the Soviet Union. Nikolai Roerich died in 1947. His body was ritually cremated. In the Kulu Valley, at the site of the funeral pyre, a large rectangular stone was installed with the inscription: "The body of Maharishi Nikolai Roerich, the great friend of India, was cremated at this place on 30 Maghar 2004 of the Vikram era, corresponding to December 15, 1947. OM RAM (May there be peace)."

Monument to N.K. Roerich on the "Turquoise Katun"

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