Nikolai Konstantinovich Rerikh was a great painter of the XIX-XX centuries, a tireless traveler, teacher, philosopher and writer, scientist, poet and outstanding public figure, enlightened by the Teacher humanity. The paintings of Nicholas Roerich, his work are a true miracle, the brightest world phenomenon. The scale of his personality is incredible, and his biography will inspire seekers of mystical, sacred knowledge for a long time to come.

Nicholas Roerich created a huge number of unique masterpieces. Among the works of the master are mosaics, frescoes and theatrical scenery, monumental and easel painting. The main directions that interested the artist and were embodied in his works are the traditions of pre-Petrine Russia, Asia and the East, nature and its beauty.

Biography of Nicholas Roerich

Nicholas Roerich was born on October 9, 1874 in the then capital of Russia, St. Petersburg, at number 25 on the University Embankment of Vasilievsky Island. The boy was born into a wealthy and cultured family. His father was a famous notary, educated and erudite man, his mother came from the merchant class.

The history of the origin of the Roerich surname is interesting. Its origins, according to biographers and the painter himself, are in Scandinavia, or rather Iceland. Roerich is a Germanized version of the ancient name Rurik. The paternal ancestors of the future artist moved to Russia in the 18th century.

They did not save on the education of the young descendant the boy studied at one of the best St. Petersburg schools. It was the Karl May gymnasium, which at various times graduated from many famous cultural figures and scientists who glorified Russia Alexander Benois, Rimsky-Korsakov and others. After grammar school, the future master wanted to paint, but his father insisted on a career as a lawyer.

During his studies, he actively studies historical evidence, is engaged in archeology, is keenly interested in Russian history. At the same time, the master draws in the studio of Arkhip Kuindzhi and creates a series “The Beginning of Rus. Slavs”.

After marrying Elena Shaposhnikova, the great-granddaughter of the hero of the war of 1812 Golenishchev-Kutuzov, Nicholas Roerich surrendered to his passion for archeology. He and his wife travel a lot around Russia, are interested in ancient architecture and folklore. Inspired by these trips, the artist in 1902-1903 paints almost a hundred paintings, the main theme of which is ancient Russian history.

Interest in Slavic roots, Russian folklore and history is combined in him with indifference to the East as the cradle of civilization. Roerich has works on the themes of Indian myths and epics.

In 1910, the painter became the head of the famous “World of Art” association.

He leads a stormy social activity, gives lectures and improves his painting skills. On the eve of the First World War, Nicholas Roerich wrote several works that are called prophetic “The Doomed City”, “The Cry of the Serpent”, “The Last Angel” and others.

In the 16th year of the 20th century, for health reasons, the artist left St. Petersburg and moved to the northern coast of Ladoga. In Serdoble (now Sortavala) he writes his famous Flowers of Moria and other literary works. At the same time, a cycle of Karelian canvases appeared. With them, the master managed to convey the gentle and delicate charm of the northern nature. In Karelia, the artist’s spiritual development is coming to an end and his life priorities are being determined.

After the revolution, in 1918, the borders between Russia and Finland were closed, and the Roerichs were cut off from their homeland. The family moved to Sweden, where the public very warmly welcomes the artist’s work. Roerich did not stay in Scandinavia in the summer of 1919 he and his wife went to London, and then to America. Nikolai Konstantinovich arranges exhibitions, paints scenery and works on costumes for operas.

In 1923 the Roerichs made a grandiose journey to Tibet through India and Asia.

It begins in Bombay and ends in 1928 in the Kullu Valley, which is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 2,000 meters. Here the spouses stay to live and found the Urusvati Institute. During the trip, the master creates about 5,000 picturesque masterpieces.

On December 13, 1947, the great artist and spiritual teacher Nicholas Roerich passed away in Kullu. Two days later, his body was cremated. The inscription on the monument, which was installed at the cremation site, reads: “Here the body of Maharishi (a saint, the greatest sage) and a great friend of India was burnt. Om Ram “.