When was Nicholas Roerich born? Postage stamps with the image of H

Among Russian artists, Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich stands out with his bright cut diamond. His works surprise, delight, and give understanding. The Russian soul is open to the whole world, full of incredible feelings.

Biography

On September 27, 1874, a son, Nikolai, was born into the family of a notary. The boy's life was full of impressions and experiments: his parents' friends were truly outstanding minds (Mendeleev, Mikeshin, Kostomarov). Scientists, artists, and intellectuals told a lot of interesting things, so the boy wanted to explore the world around him.

Nikolai was drawn to knowledge. Showing the greatest interest in the history of the country, painting, and archaeological research. The guy placed the main emphasis on the heritage of the culture of the peoples of Russia, eastern countries. The period of Nikolai’s youth and early youth is filled with many extremely important events:

1982. As a high school student, the young man independently engaged in archaeological research. Having become a student, he received membership of the Society of Archaeologists of the country.
1893. Graduation from the gymnasium ended. He immediately transferred to the University of St. Petersburg, choosing the legal path.
1895. The young man undergoes training and internship with A.I. Kuindzhi.
In the mid-90s of the 19th century, the future philosopher and artist actively communicated with Stasov, Diaghilev, Repin, etc.
Even before finishing his studies, he became famous thanks to his discovery (1897). Nikolai discovered a whole complex of ancient burials of Vodya, without leaving the St. Petersburg region, and completed a drawing-sketch of “Oshad”.
Studying at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts was completed, and he defended his diploma with the work “The Messenger” (1897), which was later acquired by Tretyakov. The film was appreciated by critics, and the writer Leo Tolstoy actively admired the painting.
1898. Successfully defended his thesis “The Legal Status of Artists of Ancient Rus'” and completed his studies.
After graduation, I received an offer of cooperation with the Archaeological Institute of St. Petersburg. Received the rank of lecturer of a separate course.
1901. Took an active part in the creation of the Commission for the registration of ancient monuments of the St. Petersburg province. The new entity was subordinate to the Society for the Protection and Preservation of Monuments of Art and Antiquity in Russia.

The learned man is torn between art and science, trying to combine both passions. The works of Nicholas Roerich of this period belong to historical painting. Ancient Rus', oriental flavor, accurate historical images come to life on canvas.

The young archaeologist and art critic became assistant director of the main museum of Russia. At 24, this was considered a huge achievement, unthinkable to most. At the same time, the master of the brush was invited to become an assistant editor of the magazine artistic direction, called “Art and the Art Industry.” The rapid development of the artist's career continued. 3 years have passed. The young man was appointed secretary of the Imperial Society for the Encouragement of the Arts.

Personal relationships developed virtually parallel to public ones: in 1901, Nicholas Roerich’s family was pleased with his marriage. The archaeologist chose Elena Shaposhnikova as his companion. 1902 gave the painter his first child, Yurochka. The youngest child, Svyatoslav, was born in 1904.

For 8 years (1894-1902), the scientist-artist lived for some time in 40 cities, immersed himself in the past, and wrote 90 sketches. An attentive, inquisitive archaeologist drew attention to the ancient Russian works of icon painters and builders, pushing the majority of those who had the opportunity to help to the issue of preserving architectural masterpieces and unique iconographic samples.

Around 1904, the biography and work of Nicholas Roerich changed in character. Constant travel, working on books, supporting magazines, being an editor art publication took away free time. The post of director of the School of the Imperial Society for the Encouragement of the Arts (1906-1918) brought additional troubles. Roerich constantly builds in the school yard, creates decorations for the theater, draws, writes short stories, and reads philosophical treatises.

While traveling, the artist pondered well-known Christian philosophical theories, drew conclusions, and wrote them down on paper. This is how the book “The Power of Light” by Nicholas Roerich was published, where the author linked together real existence, religious dogmas, data from the Bible, and the legends of the elders.

After October revolution the artist traveled with his works throughout Europe and America, organizing exhibitions and communicating with many interesting people. The scientist makes close acquaintance with Herbert Wells, Rabindranath Tagore, and John Galsworthy. Some basic parameters of the book “Agni Yoga” by Nicholas Roerich are beginning to take shape.

Nikolai did not ignore the new hobbies of the upper class, who had been infatuated with spiritualism since 1900. According to records and diaries, by 1921 the family was constantly conducting sessions without using a special table (the right souls responded).

In fact, the philosopher-artist spent his entire life on the road. India, China, countries of the European and American continents replaced the house. It’s a shame, but the famous archaeologist was prohibited from freely visiting his homeland. Each time we had to submit requests for permission. The date of death of Nicholas Roerich (12/15/1947) fell on the days when the response from Russia was on the way; accordingly, the artist did not know that the request was rejected.

Crossing the line of existence, the painter gave his descendants 7,000 paintings, approximately 30 books (including two books by Nicholas Roerich with poems, “The Seven Great Mysteries of the Cosmos” by Nicholas Roerich). The results of the excavations replenished the museums with tens of thousands of examples of ancient art found by the scientist.

Creation

Roerich gained greatest fame as an artist. Nicholas Roerich's paintings with titles revealing the essence of the masterpiece conquered the world.

“The Path to Shambhala” is a canvas that connects the landscape with spiritual notes. Sharp lines, clear strokes, sun rays on the mountain tops reveal the grandeur of the path, the loneliness of the road, the coldness of the naked soul. Only strong in spirit will cross the road.

The painting “Overseas Guests” reveals the historical past. Ancient Rus', epic heroes are becoming closer and more understandable. A caravan of rooks visits Russian soil for peaceful purposes, in a friendly manner. It is clear that weapons and armor are close to the warriors, the first danger will stir up a warlike mood.

“Madonna Oriflamme” combines the features of virtually all cultures that appeared directly before the artist’s eyes during his travels. It can be considered one of the symbols of the unity of peoples in Christianity. The Mother of God is the protection of the Russian people. With a patterned cover, the Mother of God protects the children of God, keeping enemies at a distance.

The painting “Mother of the World” shows admiration for the Mother of God, to whom women bring gifts and prayers. The souls of the dead are drawn to her, seeking protection, mercy, forgiveness.

"Zarathustra" - worship of light, the sun. The captured sunrise enchants and does not let the viewer go. It seems that new rays will break through into a new day, blessing the figure of the priest standing on the mountain.

Already looking at the painting “Himalayas. Everest,” a chill runs through my skin. It seems that the viewer finds himself in an unpleasant, cold environment, looking at the high-altitude snow. Strength of character, endurance, and fearlessness will help the traveler overcome the peak.

The charm of the morning Venus in the Himalayan sky is undeniable. The magnificent landscape with a bright star approaching the Earth in the painting “Star of the Morning” beckons in the foggy distances.

“Saint Sergius of Radonezh,” the guardian of the Russian land, protects it in the past, present, and future. This is evidenced by the picture where the saint came out with the army and led it.

"Kanchenjunga". Sacred peak of the Himalayas. Soaring perfection above the mists of clouds attracts with its purity and tenderness of colors. It’s easy to cleanse your soul, repent, and take vows here.

“The Doomed City” reveals the master of the brush’s view of the state of society. Vices, dirt, mental laziness filled the souls. Sodom and Gomorrah are cities that were destroyed. Such a fate awaits those who refuse to repent.

Nicholas Konstantinovich Roerich is an extraordinary figure. A lawyer, a scientist, an artist proved the ability to combine incongruous things, to create far from home, to live in the hope of return, while remaining oneself.

Youth

In 1893, young Roerich brilliantly graduated from the Karl May Gymnasium. Then the future artist immediately enters 2 higher educational institutions: Imperial Academy of Arts and the University of St. Petersburg at the Faculty of Law.

Since 1895, the aspiring artist became a student of the already famous painter Arkhip Kuindzhi. Here he also meets other young talents: I. Repin, Rimsky-Korsakov and others.

Creative path

Only after graduating from the academy does he manage to devote more time to creativity, which is very important role Nicholas Roerich took part in his life. The artist’s paintings began to be highly appreciated by his contemporaries, and his first painting, “The Messenger,” was immediately purchased famous philanthropist Tretyakov.

Around the same time, young Roerich received the position of assistant to the head of the Imperial Museum, and at the same time worked at the magazine publishing house "World of Art".

In 1900, N. Roerich went to France with the aim of continuing his studies in painting. A year later he returned to the Russian Empire, where he received a position in the secretariat of the Society for the Encouragement of the Arts. In 1906 he became its director.

In 1909 he became a member Russian Academy arts

Nicholas Roerich was a very versatile person who was interested not only in painting, but also in archeology, history, and philosophy. He wrote a series research work on the culture of Ancient Rus'. The artist traveled a lot, traveled all over Russia, and also visited many countries, including France, Kingdom of Sweden, Finland and on the territory of India, where in 1947 in the city of Himachal Pradesh he completed his life’s journey.

His years were filled with creativity, travel and science. Nicholas Roerich lived an interesting and eventful life. The artist’s paintings amount to almost seven thousand paintings. This is impressive!

Roerich Nikolai Konstantinovich. Paintings. Himalayas

In 1923, the artist went on a Trans-Himalayan expedition. Inspired by a trip to the highest mountain range in the world, Roerich wrote the books “Altai-Himalayas”, “Heart of Asia” and “Shambhala”. But he is better known paintings, created under the impression of the great mountains.

He creates a whole series of paintings called "Maitreya". Paintings painted under the emotional impression of the Himalayas include, for example, “Maitreya the Conqueror” (1925), “Sword of Gesar” (1932), “Santana” (1944) and many others. Their total number is simply colossal, amazing. No other Russian painter has so many paintings dedicated to high-mountain landscapes.

Nicholas Roerich himself repeatedly declared his love for the mountains. The artist’s paintings only confirm this fact.

Conclusion

Nicholas Konstantinovich Roerich is not just an artist and researcher, he is a real genius of its time. His creativity and scientific works are of great importance for the culture and history of not only Russia, but the whole world as a whole. Such fruitfulness in painting, science, and writing can only be envied, and his most interesting and eventful life is very exciting to follow today.

“Neither science, nor technology, nor philosophy will fully reflect the soul of the people. We will read it only as reflected in the monuments of art.”

There are artists whose scope of personality cannot be contained within the limits of a personal artistic creation. But at the same time, for them, art is a way of expressing the deepest feelings, the most important ideas. The work of Nicholas Roerich is extremely perfect, original and characteristic. It cannot be unconditionally attributed to any of the existing genres and trends in painting: the paintings of Nicholas Roerich, in terms of execution and content, cannot be thought of either as a landscape, or with a historical plot, or with another genre, in other words, - Roerich marked the beginning of a new direction in painting. Guga Chohan

Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich was one of the unique Russian artists of the 20th century - he created so much in his own life, as if the physical and spiritual powers of several people were inherent in him.

As a boy who grew up on Vasilyevsky Island in a wealthy St. Petersburg family, Nicholas Roerich was prepared to follow an orderly life path his father, a famous notary. But already in my youth Roerich manifested himself as a person incommensurable in larger-scale and deeper possibilities and goals - his passion was theater and numismatics, mineralogy and literature, art and botany, passion for hunting and music... Of all the various interests, art and history gradually emerged. And after graduating from high school, the desire to be an artist was firmly formed.

In 1893 Nikolay combines his life goals with his father’s instructions, entering the law faculty of St. Petersburg University and the Academy of Arts at the same time. His character as a very young man had already developed the main qualities - thoroughness, determination in any endeavor, rare endurance and hard work. They became the basis of what was done Roerich in life.

Having chosen the historical genre, despite the fact that his teacher was the great landscape painter A.I. Kuindzhi, Roerich in his first student works depicts the appearance ancient Russian people- Svyatopolk the Accursed, Yaroslavna. His acquaintance with V.V. Stasov, an art critic who asserted significance in his works in Ancient Rus', cites Roerich to a great plan, which subsequently determined his work for many years. Above the famous series paintings"The Beginning of Rus'. Slavs" he worked since 1897, and the first painting was bought by P.M. Tretyakov directly from the academic exhibition.

He planned to display the entire series on his gallery walls. Ancient history appeared under the artist’s brush without excessive exoticism. Her drama is reflected in works such as "" depicting a pagan sanctuary

or "", where ravens, prophetic birds, eyewitnesses of the past, become symbolic messengers of a formidable future.

The work of this period was also affected by the influence of Scandinavian mythology, which became an important source of artistic images for Roerich also because he himself belonged to an ancient Scandinavian family that began to serve Russia from the era of Peter I. “His thoughts and taste are Varangian,” he wrote about Roerich A. Benoit. The Varangians, the northern neighbors of the Russians, became the heroes of many works - the artist depicted them sailing on the sea on their fabulous ships in the painting.

Landscape in Roerich’s paintings has become one of the main means of expression; its distant horizons seem to call to unknown worlds. He embodied it especially poetically "Stone North"- the artist subtly felt the discreet beauty of this region, its spiritual essence. In the painting, painted in Finland, the image of a Christian saint is like a tuning fork in a restrained and at the same time refined northern landscape. The decorative, sharp in rhythm, solid in form, rich in color and sonorous features of Roerich’s painting speaks of Roerich’s affinity with the masters of the Art Nouveau era. Arts highly appreciated by V.A. Serov, V.I. Surikov, found new heights with their historical genre and enriched with concentrated poetic fiction.

To the Slavic series Roerich adjoined by another picturesque “suite” - studies of ancient Russian architecture, capturing the “stone chronicle” of Rus'. Studying architectural monuments and artistic antiquities, Roerich in 1903 - 1904. traveled through more than forty Russian cities. In the very forms of temples, towers, fortress walls, the stern and powerful spirit of his ancestors was embodied for him - one of the best studies in the series was the image of the Rostov Kremlin.

Roerich became one of the first researchers of the ancient Russian icon, which prompted him to religious painting. Old Russian culture Its images also resembled the artist’s theatrical works. In 1907, Roerich designed the production of the ancient mystery play "Three Wise Men", creating for her an exquisite color sketch of the decoration" cave tree". Later he worked on staging plays "Russian Seasons" in Paris - designed "Pskovite" N. Rimsky - Korsakov, ballet "Sacred spring", created together with I. Stravinsky, "Polovtsian dances" from the opera by A. Borodin "Prince Igor". Scenery sketches and others were implemented into the full production "Prince Igor" in London in 1914. Roerich’s decorations captivated the sophisticated European public with their historicism and colorfulness.

Paper on cardboard, tempera, gouache, ink, pencil.

1908. Paper on cardboard, pastel, tempera, charcoal, pencil.

1908. Paper on cardboard, pastel, charcoal, gouache. 52x70.5

The artist’s life, as intense as possible with work, connected with all the new and acute processes occurring in Russian spiritual life and culture at the turn of the century, included the story of a meeting and happy union with Elena Ivanovna Shaposhnikova - “friend” and “inspiration”, faithful assistant and companion to the end life.

During the difficult times of war and revolution, the artist’s family spent time in Karelia in a small town and in 1918 remained tightly cut off from Russia by the closed Russian-Finnish border. From this time on, the life of the artist and his family began outside their homeland.

Having lived in India for more than 20 years, the artist created a huge series of landscapes of the Himalayas, captured in different time year and day. Roerich's style was influenced by Tibetan painting, but also retained its originality. The main thing in his painting is the symbolism of images. The people in his works live surrounded by mountains and seem to be filled with their hardness and purity, in the words of Roerich, “learning perseverance from the stones.” Images of the highest Himalayan peaks - Chomolungma (Everest) and Kanchenjunga - reminded the artist of the legendary country of universal happiness hidden behind the mountains, which the Tibetans called Shambhala. Quite a few paintings Roerich dedicated to Shambhala - the age-old dream of humanity.

30.11.2015

The great ascetic Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich, by the will of fate, spent the second half of his life away from his homeland. Being a global figure, he thought globally, his heart ached about the fate of the peoples of the world, and in his field of vision was the past, present and future of all humanity, but this did not diminish, but, on the contrary, only strengthened Roerich’s deep, boundless love for the great and the vast Motherland, to the Russian people.

28.08.2015

IN previous sections The article, based on the correspondence of Nicholas Roerich with his closest assistant in Europe, Mikhail Aleksandrovich Taube, stored in the Bakhmetyev Archive of Columbia University in the USA, spoke about the Roerich Pact, about the Banner of Peace - its integral symbol, about the conditions in which Roerich affirmed these most important for humanity ideas.
The letters also touch on other issues: they give an idea of what malicious fabrications aimed at undermining his mission the great Ambassador of the Hierarchy of the Forces of Light had to face; encourages you to think...

26.12.2015

Guru - Builder. We will call him the Messenger of Light, who brought the message of the Hierarchy to the world, the Gospel of the New Kingdom, the New World, the New Epoch. He proclaimed the Gospel of Fire, or the Gospel of Fire, to the world, and this is the meaning of his mission. At the collapse of the old world, when it was still completely dark, he stood, like a pillar of fire, at the crossroads of the world’s roads, and the great concept of the Fire of Yoga was carried across the Earth from end to end, addressed to all people for the first time...

05.01.2015

There are fixed magnets, laid down by the Lords and Their messengers for the approval of great phenomena of the future. Great, although invisible, is their power. But the Guru’s paintings are mobile magnets and therefore especially rich and powerful, for the Light of the Lord, the Light of the Lord of Shambhala is captured and condensed by His disciple in his works. The disciple and messenger always does the will of the Sender, the Will of the Higher and Higher. And merged by his will with the will of the One who sent him, he puts and affirms the Light of the Lord, carried by him in his heart and expressed by him in his actions, in the light spheres crystallized by him, or magnets, physical...

Thus the two concepts - Roerich Museum and the New Country (Russia) - are first put together.
...At the end of the 1950s, before Boris Nikolayevich and Natalia Dmitriyevna returned to Russia from Harbin, many prospects might seem impossible. But still, as the terms were coming, nothing could stop fulfilling of the predestined. Let us trace the events of the four years.

01.03.2016

Archives, libraries, museums are repositories of people's memory. It not only contains knowledge about the past - it also contains powerful potential for new discoveries that can change our ideas about the past and the future. How many more truly priceless materials are stored in museum storerooms, on archival shelves and library shelves, waiting in the wings!
Our story is about one film. In the fall of 2015, a truly unique film with documentary footage depicting members of the Roerich family was transferred to the Siberian Roerich Society for temporary storage.

27.12.2016

In 1924, the book by N.K. was published. Roerich "Paths of Blessing". This was the first foreign edition of a collection of articles by Nikolai Konstantinovich in Russian. Several years have passed since Roerich left Russia. Over the years, he traveled through the cities of Europe and America, which hosted exhibitions of his paintings, and all this time he continued to create not only with a brush, but also with a pen.

01.11.2018

Author - Presumably Hermann Goetz (1898 - 1976) - scientist, art critic, doctor of art history, author of a number of articles about S.N. and N.K. Roerich. From 1939 to 1953 director of the museum in Baroda (Vadodara), Western India, Gujarat state. - Approx. translator
--Published by: Baroda State Museum Bulletin. Vol. 3. Pt. 1 (Bulletin of the State Museum of Baroda. Vol. 3, part 1. India. 1946).

28.07.2018

Not only in Russian, but also in world art of the 20th century N.K. Roerich as a master mountain landscape occupies an exceptional place. It is impossible to name a single artist in the West or in India who has depicted the power and beauty of the Himalayas with such strength, completeness and expressiveness.

28.04.2018

Pavel Fedorovich Belikov considered the publication of the book “Roerich” on the eve of the artist’s 100th anniversary to be a matter of extraordinary importance. He wrote to Svyatoslav Nikolaevich, son of N.K. Roerich: “The interest in the book is enormous. There is a big recording of it everywhere, so it will sell out instantly. The editors consider the book very successful. The “Life of Remarkable People” series is a very solid and popular series; not everything is published in it”; “The circulation for this series was a record one - 150,000 (usually the maximum is 100,000).”

26.10.2017

Reciprocity is a more cordial definition of cooperation. If we have long dreamed and tried in every possible way to achieve cooperation, then the current circumstances themselves imperiously direct us along these heartfelt paths.

04.10.2017

The life of Nicholas Roerich is closely connected with Altai. The artist ended up in the Altai Mountains during the expedition he led in Central Asia (1925 – 1928). Together with his family, he was in the village of Verkh-Uimon for 12 days, from August 7 to August 19, 1926. It is generally accepted that during this trip he painted several works depicting Mount Belukha, sacred to the Altai people.

02.05.2017

The figure of Nicholas Konstantinovich Roerich (1874 – 1947) - an original artist and humanist thinker - has attracted the attention of the general public since the beginning of the twentieth century. Many artists, including Alexander Golovin, Boris Kustodiev, Dmitry Stelletsky, Boris Grigoriev, David Burliuk, Isamu Noguchi, Gleb Deryuzhinsky, showed special interest in the personality of Nicholas Roerich and created a series portrait images famous artist. But the most important contribution to the creation of a gallery of portraits of Nicholas Roerich belongs to his son, Svyatoslav Roerich.

25.12.2016

The path of Nicholas Roerich is the path of the Great Service, therefore it is unusual and does not fit into the framework with which we are accustomed to limit human life - from birth to death. His life was first and foremost a life of the spirit, which is not subject to earthly limitations. All manifestations of his spirit, his high creativity under hiero-inspiration are unusual: canvases glowing with the fire of higher reality; poetry and prose imbued with wisdom and knowledge that lies beyond ordinary human experience.

27.12.2016

Not so long ago, just twelve years ago, any aspiration for iconic beauty was considered almost a curiosity. It was called an archaic quirk. For those who did not know the icons, it even served as a sign of imperfect taste...

01.11.2016 16:58:00

Vsevolod N. IVANOV. Chapter from the book “Roerich. Artist. The Thinker" (Riga, 1935), abbreviated.
...When you think about this side of Roerich’s work, about his attraction to the East, again the thought involuntarily returns to Goethe, the Olympian elder. Between these two strong people - Roerich and Goethe - there is some definite contact.

01.11.2016

In the fall of 1920, Nicholas Roerich and his family arrived from Foggy Albion to the American continent - the artist received an invitation from the director of the Chicago Institute of Arts, Robert Harshe, to conduct an exhibition tour of American cities.
His arrival did not go unnoticed by the Russian-language press. The newspapers wrote: “The local cultural forces of the Russian colony in America have become richer: one of the largest Russian artists, poet and writer-theorist Nicholas Roerich has arrived. An artist with a bright and unique personality. Roerich attracted attention with his first exhibition...

01.11.2016

On September 27, 1960, an event occurred. 60 masterpieces of world fine art arrived and were exhibited at the Novosibirsk Art Gallery - 60 canvases by the world-famous artist Nicholas Roerich. This was his gift to the city on the Ob, which he bequeathed to his son, Yu.N. Roerich. (...)
This holiday of meeting with Roerich’s paintings was unforgettably beautiful. I was lucky to be at this celebration. I remember the joyful and amazed faces of people who saw for the first time such.

26.06.2016

In 1922, an article by Nicholas Roerich entitled “Pietro Gonzaga” appeared in the October issue of Theater Arts Magazine, published in New York. It was dedicated to the outstanding Italian theater decorator, architect, set designer and art theorist. Several years ago, this magazine unexpectedly fell into my hands. I was surprised to discover that this article is not in Russian. After her translation, I had a question: what prompted N.K. Roerich to write about this outstanding man?

14.05.2016

From the very foundation of the Siberian Roerich Society, employees and like-minded people of Natalia Dmitrievna Spirina dreamed together with her of creating a museum of Nicholas Konstantinovich Roerich in Novosibirsk. Of course, they also thought that when the museum opened, authentic works of the Roerichs would definitely appear in it; it was only a matter of time. Natalia Dmitrievna was as confident in this as she was in the fact that a museum would be built among the devastation and poverty. This unshakable faith of hers was passed on to the Sibrovites. “The originals of Roerich’s paintings are in the museum” - this was the dream of SibRO for many years. The Teaching of Living Ethics indicates the effective...

13.05.2016

In our terrible time - the time of the Armageddon of Culture raging on the planet - humanity has reached the limit of the decline of morals. As a result, the fierce dragon of fascism again raised its head and, despite all the horrors of destruction and destruction, found support in spiritually impoverished countries. In contrast to chaos and confusion, despondency and despair, we will talk about the great messenger of the Forces of Light - Nicholas Roerich, who showed humanity the path to saving the planet, to peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness. This path is so simple that it seems incredible to many. “Peace through Culture” - this is Roerich’s motto. “The culture is the winners...

26.12.2015

In August 1914, Germany unleashed hostilities in Europe - the First World War began... Artists, writers and artists responded with pain to the alarming events taking place. The creative intelligentsia took whatever part they could in helping the troops - they organized charity events, exhibitions, auctions, concerts, as well as hospitals to help the wounded... As they wrote in one of the newspapers: “War adapts types of cultural life to its needs. Science, art, literature - everything strives in one form or another to contribute to the common cause of the fight against the evil enemy. Tirelessly...

24.10.2015

For 25 years now, October 9 is N.K.’s birthday. Roerich - celebrated by the Siberian Roerich Society and as the Day of Culture.
In 1984, at the IV All-Union Conference “Roerich Readings” in Novosibirsk, Natalia Dmitrievna Spirina made a proposal to support Roerich’s idea of holding a World Culture Day. She quoted the words of Nikolai Konstantinovich: “Let’s imagine a world day of culture, when at the same time the true treasures of the nation and humanity will be announced in all schools and educational institutions around the world.”

24.10.2015

His first literary works N.K. Roerich began to create simultaneously with serious painting - at the age of 16. And in 1915, when Roerich turned 41 and had already held the title of Academician of the Imperial Academy of Arts for six years, the Russian public celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Master’s artistic and literary activity. It was for this anniversary that Sytin’s publishing house published the first volume of the collected works of N.K. Roerich...

24.04.2015

Nicholas Roerich has an article called “The Banner of Peace”. In it he writes: “They are asking to collect where there are signs of our Banner of Peace. The sign of the trinity turned out to be spread throughout the world. (...)
Chintamani - ancient performance India about the happiness of the world - contains this sign. In the Temple of Heaven in China you will find the same image. The Tibetan "Three Treasures" talk about the same thing. In the famous painting by Memling, the same sign is clearly visible on the chest of Christ. It is also present in the image of the Strasbourg Madonna. The same sign is on the shields of the Crusaders and on the coats of arms of the Templars. ...Famous...

31.03.2015

N.V. TYUTYUGINA, Ph.D. art history, Ufa. IX Roerich readings. Novosibirsk, October 4 – 6, 2014
Dedicated to the memory of Doctor of Art History Evgeniy Palladievich Matochkin
So, on all paths the same Great Face stands and “knowingly and unknownly” does great good. The same “Unbreakable Wall”, the same Annunciation, which speaks of help and joys generously scattered across the face of the Earth. (N.K. Roerich)

20.02.2015

Central Asian expedition of academician N.K. Roerich on his own final stage planned to cross the Tibetan Plateau through Lhasa and return to India, to Darjeeling, where this journey began. Permission from the Tibetan government to visit the capital was received in Ulaanbaatar through a representative of the Dalai Lama.

27.11.2014

Giants of spirit and thought will always be ahead of their time. They seem to come from the future to the present to bring us closer to this future. They are not contemporary with us and are often not understood or accepted by us at the beginning of their appearance. Their ideas and plans are new and unusual to us; their direction of thought is unexpected. But time passes, people grow in intelligence and gradually begin to be drawn into the orbit of the progressive movement laid out by the leader of the revival.

04.10.2014

In one of the articles, my father Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich wrote: “There is not such a cruel heart that would command: no thoughts about the Motherland. ...In our daily work we will apply thought to everything we do about the Motherland, about its national prosperity.” Having lived long years far away from native land, he always felt a blood connection with Russia. It is no coincidence that in the years Patriotic War my father wrote from memory the architectural monuments of Novgorod, destroyed by the Nazis.

27.02.2014

In one of our publications, we started a conversation about the literary heritage of N.K. Roerich and touched upon such genres in his work as fairy tales and parables. This article is devoted to another facet of the great Master’s literary talent - his poetic gift. It is based on the work of P.F. Belikov “Roerich. Experience of spiritual biography". This work, which remained unfinished, is today the most in-depth study of the poetic heritage of N.K. Roerich.

26.10.2013

As part of the Central Asian expedition, Academician N.K. Roerich planned to visit Russia, but this required permission from the Soviet government. In 1924, having temporarily left Sikkim, Nikolai Konstantinovich arrived in America, where he managed to obtain permission from the authorities to further conduct the expedition under the American flag and draw up the appropriate documents. They did not mention a visit to the Soviet Union in order to avoid suspicion from the British...

26.10.2013

“Wisdom lies in drawing a longer line.” Of all people, he drew the longest line. I spent my whole life drawing it. Reduced the triumph of vanity by the true action of creative labor; cut down the line of hostility with love for man; diminished self-service by serving the Common Good. He made a beneficial adjustment to his entire era, thereby elevating it. Our century will be ennobled by his name for posterity, and his radiance will be valued in the future. The era in which he lived will be famous for his presence in it. For true wisdom lies in drawing a longer line... (From the Notes of B.N. Abramov)

26.04.2013

“Roerich is a representative of synthetic thinking; this system of thought is characterized by immensity, unlimitedness by nothing...” says Natalia Dmitrievna Spirina. The fruits of his creativity are a great gift to humanity, and with a feeling of deep gratitude we accept this gift, realizing how much has been given to us and how much still needs to be discovered and comprehended.

03.04.2013

Having overcome the high mountain route along the Karakoram, the expedition of N.K. Roerich headed to East Turkestan, which occupied the western part of China between the Tien Shan and Kun-Lun mountain systems. In its center is one of the most difficult deserts on the planet, the greatest desert, the Taklamakan. Along its outskirts there are oases, the most significant of which are Khotan and Yarkand in the south of the desert, Kashgar, Kuchar, Karashar and Turfan in the north. The Great Silk Road from China to the countries of Central and Western Asia passed through these regions.

31.01.2013

On September 19, 1925, the expedition of N.K. Roerich leaves the capital of Ladakh, Leh, and heads to East Turkestan along the Karakorum route, the highest in the world. Its highest point is the Karakoram Pass (5575 m). In ancient times and in the Middle Ages, until a direct sea route to the Far East was developed, it was part of the Great Silk Road connecting China and Central Asia with the countries of Western Asia.

23.12.2012 14:42:00

Each era has its heroes. In the era of the resurrection of the spirit, He will be the first among the heroes of the spirit. His feat and work will stand out in all reality. The quieter the feat, the louder it is in the megaphone of space. External high-profile cases are often spatially insignificant.
A quiet feat grows over the centuries. The secret becomes clear. Pledged cases are growing. How often do people use the fruit without knowing the root! The New Epoch will restore justice and teach us to appreciate real values.
From the Notes of B.N. Abramova. October 10, 1952

23.12.2012 14:42:00

The Himalayas appeared in the life of Nikolai Konstantinovich as a child. In one of his essays, he wrote: “I wish I could remember the very first thing. The earliest. ...An ancient painting of a mountain at sunset. Then it turned out to be none other than Kanchenjunga.” This painting was in the Roerichs' estate in Izvara.
Then - aspiration to India, an expedition was conceived, which took place in 1923. And after the expedition, the Roerich family settled in the Kullu valley, surrounded sacred Himalayas, where the artist remained until the end of his earthly life.

23.12.2012 14:42:00

In the long history of mankind, bold, fearless pioneers have always appeared who led peoples along the path of progress and with their daring thoughts sought to know and explore the true relationships and laws in the processes of the vast Cosmic Nature.

31.10.2012

On August 9, 1925, the expedition of N.K. Roerich, accompanied by guides, leaves Kashmir and heads to the western part of Central Asia, following the ancient caravan route - through the principality of Ladak, located on the Western Tibetan Plateau...

31.10.2012

September 21, 2012 at the N.K. Museum Roerich at the Peace Bell arch, a citywide celebration dedicated to the International Day of Peace took place. We publish the speech Academician Alexander Leonidovich Aseev, sounded on this day.
"Nicholas Konstantinovich Roerich, the greatest scientist, humanist, artist, researcher, traveler, left us the greatest legacy. He bequeathed to us to take care of the World, love the Motherland, love everyone living on Earth. The emblem, which is depicted on the pediment of the museum building, reflects Roerich’s proposals the idea of the unity of the past, present and future, the unity of religion, ...

01.05.2012

Last summer at the Museum of N.K. Roerich in Novosibirsk, for the first time, an exhibition of paintings by Leopold Romanovich Tsesyulevich, dedicated to the Ukok princess from a burial discovered by archaeologists, was presented - the artist called her the “Queen of Altai”. From January of this year to this day, his triptych “Calvary” is on display in the museum. Both exhibitions caused big interest visitors. And just recently a large painting by L.R. came to the museum. Tsesyulevich “Nicholas Roerich” is a gift from the artist to the museum.
Before the official opening of the painting exhibition, scheduled for April 14, a portrait of N.K. Roerich was represented...

22.12.2011

“How does humanity think to approach the Highest without recognizing the earthly governors of the Hierarchy?” (Hierarchy. 338).
Not only a thinker, not only an artist, not only a cultural figure, but, most importantly, the most basic thing, - the earthly governor of the Hierarchy. Each person was shown a limit in consciousness, but only the one who held the great viceroy is truly close to him. All types of activities, diverse and creative, were only part of the manifestation of viceroyship and far from exhausting its true activity. Who will take into account the work in all worlds? And when will its fruits ripen and fall? And how many will be able to see...

26.11.2011

From the speech of Lyudmila Zhivkova at the opening of the exhibition dedicated to N.K. Roerich. Published in: Ogonyok Library, No. 40. M.: Pravda Publishing House, 1979.
...Roerich - poet, thinker, researcher, artist, public figure, traveler, archaeologist, philosopher, fighter for peace - lives with the problems of humanity, his heart beats in unison with the pulse of the planet, his consciousness strives to merge with the fiery breath of the planet. All this is organically intertwined, unique and specifically manifested in the work of Roerich the painter...

28.10.2011

You can diverge on the paths of civilization, you can argue about the signs of progress, but it is impossible not to sense the concept of Culture, the treasury of everything uplifting, the waypost of true evolution. Everyone living and thinking also understands their responsibility before creating a bright future.

28.10.2011

Slogans do not rebuild life if they are practically not realized and do not influence people and their destinies. Roerich did not utter insignificant concepts; behind his every word there is deep meaning. If we do not accept these provisions concretely, in all their vitality, they will remain beautiful slogans, and nothing more.

In March 1925, the expedition of N.K. Roerich left the principality of Sikkim, and with it the Eastern Himalayas. Her path lay in Central Asia, where she was to touch the mysterious cradle of humanity.

26.10.2010

* Based on the text of the script for the video film from the studio of the Siberian Roerich Society.
The name of the great Russian artist Nicholas Roerich occupies an honorable place in the history of domestic and world culture. His creativity is so multifaceted, and his achievements are so great that they cannot but cause surprise and admiration. “What Roerich did does not fit into the usual ideas about human capabilities,” this is what he said about N.K. Roerich, Siberian scientist academician A.P. Okladnikov.

The book “Fiery World” says: “People who have taken upon themselves the Great Service can be called “Heavenly Stone.” In their aspiration they are filled with light. They pierce the lower layers and contain diamond-adamant. But it is not easy to be a diamond, and you need to establish yourself in the light to overcome the darkness. The Great Service knows no rest; the spirit is strengthened in constant presence. Many earthly small truths need to be covered with a dome of generosity. It is necessary to be covered with the Light coming from the Hierarchy.”

For almost half a century, Novosibirsk has housed the most significant Asian collection of paintings by N.K. in Russia. Roerich, which became one of the main attractions of the capital of Siberia.
In 1959, a year before Roerich’s paintings arrived here, Boris Nikolaevich Abramov, Roerich’s closest student, and Natalia Dmitrievna Spirina, Abramov’s student, came to Novosibirsk from Harbin. They brought not only the name of N.K. to Siberia. Roerich, but also the culture of studying heritage great family Roerichs. It was B.N. Abramov and N.D. Spirin laid down those traditions in Roerich studies that later became the basis of the Roerich movement...

The legacy of symbols is most manifested in art. Creativity N.K. Roerich occupies a special place among the works of symbolist artists of the twentieth century. It is distinguished by the use of complex, polysemantic symbols that reflect the most important ideas for the evolution of humanity. Among them, the symbol of the city, the Bright City, is especially significant. As you know, in many paintings by N.K. Roerich, we can see a city or individual city buildings that carry an important semantic load. Let's look at some of them.

Agni Yoga is given through Agni Yoga. But not only books. His paintings are also the path to Agni Yoga. He says: “Now we need to think about art. We must feel and affirm the highest conductor of the Comforter Spirit.” And further, about the distorters of art: “They forgot about harmony. They did not want to know that the time for harmonization of the centers was approaching.”

The circle of friends and acquaintances of Nicholas Roerich was great - artists, writers, scientists. Among the many names close to Roerich, we must name Igor Emmanuilovich Grabar - a remarkable worker in the field of culture - art historian, writer, restorer, public figure, but first of all an artist, because painting was for him something without which he “could not breathe a single day of your life."

Echoes of the heroic moods of the distant past are felt in Roerich’s small pastel “The Viking’s Tomb”, where, as in most of Nikolai Konstantinovich’s works, thoughts about nature merge with thoughts about human destinies. The Viking Age, “full of wild space and freedom,” aroused great interest in the artist. In 1907, when the Roerich family spent the entire summer traveling around Finland and Karelia, Nikolai Konstantinovich came into direct contact with history and heroic epic northern peoples, which was reflected in his artistic and literary work - let us remember, for example, the fairy tale “Gri...

In one of periodicals 1914 we read: “Some true artists... carry in their soul a certain gift, a certain burning... let's call it... a presentiment, spiritual vision... The soul of such an artist does not live according to the same laws as ours, its “fabric is more sensitive not only to material forms, but also to spiritual influences and trends. Modern times know one such artist - we are talking about Nicholas Roerich... It’s been a quarter of a century since he “left” for his ancient, wonderful country ... But suddenly this measured, wide, clear... flow is disrupted, its flow becomes...

Forty years is a long time. On such a long voyage many storms and thunderstorms may be encountered from outside. Together we overcame all sorts of obstacles. And obstacles turned into opportunities. I dedicated my books: “To Elena, my wife, friend, companion, inspiration.” Each of these concepts has been tested in the fires of life. And in St. Petersburg, and in Scandinavia, and in England, and in America, and throughout Asia, we worked, studied, and expanded our consciousness. They created together, and it was not without reason that it was said long ago that works should have two names - female and male...

In 1907, Nicholas Roerich's collaboration with the theater began. “The theater gave a wide field of action to this multifaceted genius, for the stage is a combined art, especially opera and ballet,” wrote Theodore Heline. Wagner, Rimsky-Korsakov, Stravinsky, Borodin, Mussorgsky, Maeterlinck, Ibsen, Ostrovsky - these are the composers and playwrights who inspired Roerich to create theatrical and decorative masterpieces...

In the history of Mongolian studies there are many famous Mongolian scientists who immortalized their names with wonderful works and scientific discoveries. However, there are also scientists who, for one reason or another, are undeservedly little known, or rather, not understood and not appreciated, due to our misconceptions and misconceptions. It is to this category of researchers that N.K. can be attributed. Roerich

The diary pages and materials from Russian periodicals at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries published in recent years make it possible to significantly expand our understanding of both Roerich himself and the circle of contemporaries with whom he communicated. Many famous, in some ways even legendary, people of that time played a huge role in the formation and development of his creative personality...

Maria Klavdievna described this moment as follows: “It seems to me that he was especially sensitive and subtle, only out of friendship for me, out of a desire to ease my first minutes in Talashkino, he volunteered to accompany us. I just dropped the word, and he responded. This word is a temple... Only with it, if the Lord brings it, will I complete it. He is a man who lives in spirit, the chosen one of the Lord’s spark, through him God’s truth will be revealed. The temple will be completed in the name of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the power of Divine spiritual joy, connecting and all-encompassing being with secret power... What a task for an artist! What a field for imagination! How much can you pr...

From an early, but constantly living in-depth interest in ancient Russian art (the last article on this topic, entitled “Russian Glory,” was dated 1939), Nikolai Konstantinovich early approached the East. He was especially attracted by the problems of cultural ties that existed between Ancient Russia and the countries of the East, both Near and Far. He is attracted by the nomadic world of our southern steppes, which enriched our history not only with military glory, but was also a conductor of cultural influences coming from distant India and China.

It was no coincidence that the names of the philanthropist M.K. Tenisheva and the artist N.K. Roerich were nearby. They were united by great human friendship, based on a common love for their homeland, for their people, for Russian history. This is precisely why the memory of Maria Klavdievna is especially valuable to us.
“A great man is a real Martha the Posadnitsa,” Roerich said about Tenisheva, a wonderful woman, creator and collector of Culture.

The book “The Call” says: “A new banner requires new people.”
In his essays and letters N.K. Roerich sometimes calls his employees co-workers, Warriors of Light, and societies working in the field of Culture - commonwealths.

“Everyone who has realized the basics of evolution has an obligation to convey this knowledge to a certain number of people. At the same time, the great and small herald are subject to the same law; he must convey knowledge without any violence to their freedom. The foundations of evolution can only be realized voluntarily and can be applied by people to life only in the striving of the rebellious spirit. To turn evolution around, you need to rebuild your whole life.”
Of course, Nicholas Konstantinovich Roerich is the herald of the New Epoch - the Epoch of True Culture, based on Knowledge and Beauty. The knowledge brought by him and Elena Ivano...

The opening of the exhibition took place on December 13, 2007. More than a hundred reproductions were exhibited at the Fine Arts Studio in Zarafshan. The whole group hung them up. We tried to arrange the exhibitions according to themes and colors, and it seems we succeeded.

Beautiful Great Path Women, committed on our planet, is the Path of giving, mercy and love. In the best works of world art we find reflections of the fire with which this Feat shone through the centuries. But never before has the great purpose of a woman been revealed as significantly as it was done by Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich - perhaps the only artist of his kind, whose spiritual achievements are as high as the genius of the painter. As Hollerbach insightfully wrote, Roerich’s art is imbued with “knowledge of visible things and exposure of invisible things.”

“Humanity should be grateful to its fellow citizens, who, despite all the difficulties created by darkness, carry the light of broad understanding, the light of goodness and tireless work. At the same time, they know that they will not see many of the shoots of their feat. But they also know, they know with all their hearts, with all their consciousness, that what they are doing is urgently needed, and no mockery of ignorance will turn them away from their bright works for the benefit of future generations of humanity.” These words of Nicholas Roerich, dedicated to the spiritual mentors of humanity, express the meaning of the life and work of the artist himself.

From a letter from P.A. Chistyakov to N.K. Roerich: “...A “mandatory decree” of the Chinese has appeared that all Russian enterprises in Harbin, under threat of a fine, acquire Chinese signs. Even earlier, an unknown, specially invented flag, representing in its upper diagonal the five colored stripes of the Chinese national flag, and in the lower diagonal the old Russian tricolor flag, dotted with large initials of the road, soared over the buildings of the Board and the Road Administration. The flag was created specifically to emphasize that the CER is now a Chinese-Russian enterprise. WITH...

Nicholas Konstantinovich Roerich (1874 - 1947) and Rabindranath Tagore (1861 - 1941), two outstanding cultural figures, two great thinkers and artists of the late 19th - first half of the 20th centuries, knew each other well. They met in London in 1920 and became lifelong friends.

I bring to your attention an essay that briefly presents the main historical stages of the development of the Chinese Eastern Railway (CER) and Harbin from 1895 to 1954. It was in Harbin that they made their life choice and the spiritual disciples and followers of Nicholas Roerich - Boris Nikolaevich Abramov, Alfred Petrovich Haydok, Natalia Dmitrievna Spirina - began to ascend to higher spirituality and higher culture, to selfless service to the Truth.

At the end of the 1950s, before Boris Nikolaevich and Natalia Dmitrievna returned to their homeland from Harbin, many things might have seemed impossible. And yet the deadlines came, and nothing could stop what was predicted. Let's trace the events of those years...

“Roerich’s trip to the cities of Russia, a passing acquaintance with local monuments of Christian antiquities, a careful study of ancient icon paintings, preserved in some places in all their purity, untouched... by the hands of restorers, had a tremendous influence on the artist, who was sensitive and impressionable to the beauty of the past,” wrote art critic I.I. Lazarevsky. -...The artist’s soul rushed to the temple of God, where in the quiet glow of the lamps... the majestic faces of the saints of the church are depicted. Roerich had a desire for religious painting before, born under the impression of a peculiar...

I started asking him questions, unfortunately, I did not save a record of these questions. But, feeling that he was on the defensive, I spoke to him very stiffly and answered - he also asked me questions. And I remember: I saw a blue star above him, and he saw a pink one above my head. I told him about it, and he: “And I just saw it. You and I exchanged stars." And then suddenly I felt freedom, relaxedness and began to talk to him freely. And he began to smile, as if he turned his face to me, removing this protective armor that I kept bumping into and couldn’t reach him, I couldn’t with my heart...

- During a conversation with children about N.K. Roerich’s painting “Maitreya the Victorious,” they noticed that in this monumental bas-relief on the rock, Maitreya has four hands. The guys asked: why?
- In this painting, the many-armed and many-eyed goddess Dukkar is depicted on a rock, and Maitreya rushes on a white horse in the clouds; and the man on his knees looks not at the multi-armed Dukkar, but towards where the rider is galloping on a horse. Dukkar is a Hindu goddess who has many hands to help humanity and many eyes to see everything. But man is directed not towards her, but upward, where Maitreya gallops, that is why to...

In 1904 N.K. Roerich visited Valdai. “...An interesting monument that I saw was the Iversky Monastery in Valdai,” he reported at a meeting of the St. Petersburg Society of Architects. — A wonderful, beautiful place on the Valdai Lakes. And it’s hard to believe why Nikon fell in love with this place, so close to the nature of the North. One can easily imagine that the builder was guided by a direct feeling of love for nature. Nothing could remind Nikon so much of the monastery on the northern lake, where she grew up, grew strong and learned to dream and think. strong soul. He built his monastery...

“We can say that before Roerich, almost no one recognized the fabulous charm of our... architecture,” writes Russian writer Sergei Makovsky. “...On his canvases... monasteries, fortress towers and cathedrals are fossilized legends of antiquity... (...) They stand like giant stone hieroglyphs firmly rooted in the ground - symbols of ghostly centuries.”

The slides were grouped by department. First, portraits of Nicholas Roerich by Svyatoslav Roerich were shown; then - ancient Russian themes; a large section “Great Images”, so beloved by Roerich, whose lives were devoted to the fight against evil, the establishment of good, serving people and the Common Good. Then - landscapes of the East, those countries through which the Roerich expedition passed: Mongolia, Ceylon, Tibet, the Himalayas.

This is the name of the exhibition opened at the Nicholas Roerich Museum on April 12, in honor of World Aviation and Cosmonautics Day. It presents photographs of space landscapes and a collection of meteorites from the collections of the Institute of Geology and Mineralogy of the SB RAS.

“Roerich was always... attracted by Slavic antiquity, the antiquity of the north, the antiquity of ancient Russia... - wrote art critic I.I. Lazarevsky, a contemporary of the artist. - He looks further, his gaze is deeper. Roerich is drawn to what is hidden behind the distances of centuries, behind the nebula of the unknown that appears in the legends and traditions of antiquity; and from this Roerich draws subjects for his works. (...) With his amazing insight into antiquity, he creates pictures of an entire era, and not episodes of one or another page of history.”

“One cannot help but admire Roerich,” writes the Russian writer Leonid Andreev in the article “Roerich’s Power,” “one cannot pass by his precious canvases without excitement. ...Roerich's paintings are full of strange charm. For the richness of his colors is limitless, and with it his generosity is limitless, always unexpected, always pleasing to the eyes and soul.

Nicholas Roerich's knowledge regarding the history of Ancient Rus' was so extensive and deep that, according to the testimony of his contemporary, Doctor of Historical Sciences N.V. Ganichev, Roerich was consulted by A. Nechvolodov, a famous historian, author of the multi-volume edition “Tales of the Russian Earth”, according to which the entire imperial family studied the history of Russia.

“The talent of an artist-painter and the deep knowledge of the subject of a scientist-archaeologist merged in N.K. Roerich into one inseparable whole. A painting is not just a canvas that reproduces in a certain design and colors the plot of a long-vanished way of life, a painting is like a window cut into the very depths of historical knowledge by the amazing brush of this one-of-a-kind artist,” wrote N. Nikolaev, a contemporary of N. K. Roerich.

The era of life of the Slavs before the calling of the Varangian princes is almost unknown to historians. The oral tradition that served as the basis for late chronicle- “The Tale of Bygone Years,” created in the 12th century by the monk of the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery Nestor the Chronicler, reflects weak hints by which one can only generally imagine the history, culture and life of Ancient Rus'. Some information about the life and morals of the ancient Slavs can be found in foreign sources.

On October 9, we solemnly celebrate the birthday of N.K. Roerich - the Leader of Culture. He spoke words of unprecedented power and beauty about this lofty concept: “Culture is the veneration of Light. Culture is love for man. Culture is a fragrance, a combination of life and beauty. Culture is a synthesis of sublime and refined achievements. Culture is a weapon of Light. Culture is salvation. Culture is the engine. Culture is the heart."

Elena Ivanovna, affirming the name of Nikolai Konstantinovich and expanding the horizons of understanding of her employees, expresses not only her convictions, but also cites the statements of the Great Teacher: “When will they accept... the great significance of the name of Roerich as the essence of the entire structure? (...) While We affirm that the life of the impulse of all Institutions is the name of R[erich], it means that we need to understand how not to drown out the life of affairs! Let them remember that every belittlement of a name and silence of a great name leads to the undermining of the foundation!”

Twice, in 1976 and 1979, Pavel Fedorovich came to the Roerich Readings in Novosibirsk. In one of his letters from 1977, he notes: “It is clear to me that the future belongs to Siberia. I sometimes regret that I didn’t move at the time. But now we have to prepare for more distant migrations than Siberia. Nevertheless, my thoughts and efforts are largely directed towards Siberia and Siberians.”

This summer marks 80 years since the Central Asian expedition of N.K. Roerich visited Siberia and Altai. “Such visits are of great importance. They leave an indelible mark, and time has no power to erase it. Blessed are such traces as luminous crops that sprout at times unknown to us.”

Nicholas Konstantinovich Roerich (1874 – 1947) is a world-famous great artist, scientist, traveler, cultural and public figure, humanist philosopher. “What he did does not fit into the usual ideas about human capabilities,” said the Siberian scientist, academician A.P. Okladnikov. The Central Asian expedition organized by Roerich, which became the largest achievement in the field of geographical research of the planet, was a real scientific and human feat.

Years have passed, and time has not dispelled the memory of great people. In the Uimon Valley, in the house of V.S. Atamanov, where the expedition members stayed, the N.K. Roerich Museum appeared, created by the power of popular enthusiasm. This Museum is not just a tribute to the memory and love of members of a great family who selflessly served humanity, but also evidence that the heart of the people is alive and it strives for new knowledge and achievements in the name of Good. This chronicle is not small people's construction, started more than ten years ago by employees of the Siberian Roerich Society, inspired by their high leader Natalia Dmitriev...

On December 5, 1907, an exhibition of new Russian art was opened in Paris, at which the works of Nicholas Roerich were also presented. It was in Paris, which was called the capital of world art, that Roerich from 1900 to 1901 improved his artistic skills under the guidance of the famous French artist Fernand Cormon, who had great faith in the creative potential of young Russian artists.

The veneration and love of people all over the world for Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker is so strong that they elevated him even above the Apostles. He came to our land in the third century - at the most difficult time for Christianity, when the struggle against the followers of Christ reached its climax.

I would like to note that the Banner in question was used as a sample in the production of Banners for the International Public Cultural Space Project “Banner of Peace” - Banners that were then on board the Mir orbital station. This was a wonderful project!

“In March 1914, I completed the painting “Glow,” wrote N.K. Roerich in 1935. — Against the backdrop of a Belgian castle, near a statue of a Belgian lion, a knight stood guard in full armor. The entire sky was already filled with a bloody fire glow. Fire hieroglyphs were already flashing on the towers and windows of the old castle. But the noble knight remained awake on his constant watch. Four months later, everyone already knew that this noble knight, of course, was King Albert himself, who protected the dignity of the Belgian lion." .

N. Roerich’s painting “Guan Yin” depicts the Bodhisattva, especially revered by the Chinese people, who is the personification of boundless mercy and compassion, which she pours out on the whole world. Her name itself means “hearing the sounds of the world.”

What is a legend and how to treat it - many researchers - historians, ethnographers and even philosophers - have pondered this question. Nowadays, there is often an opinion that legends are the invention of people who dreamed of something beautiful and unrealistic, that is, a fairy tale and nothing more. Probably the reason for this is that legends often show incredible, magical events, and heroes perform actions that are impossible from the point of view of modern people. We will try to look at the legends as ancient history, albeit embellished, but with a truthful basis. This will help us convince...

In previous publications we examined some of Roerich’s ideas that were reflected in his work. Let us recall them: thought as the basis of all actions; "good herbs"; spiritual awakening of women; the leading role of women in new era; spiritual ascent of man. Continuing this topic, let's consider the idea of the community of religions around the world - an idea that Nicholas Roerich paid special attention to in his work. He argued that the foundations of all religions come from a single source - the Great Truth. Their differences are only in the superstructures, that is, in the rituals, as well as in the interpretation...

When I asked the Master about his early impressions of music, he said: “These impressions are among the earliest and among the most touching for me. It is absolutely true that the chorales of Bach, the riches of Beethoven, the vivid romanticism of Schubert, together with the touching images of Palestrina, Josquin Des Pres, Rameau and Lully, constitute one of the uplifting memories of my childhood.
This was always my inner holiday, which, together with the pages of history, gave me a break from mathematics lessons, which, I’ll tell you a secret, I was not a big fan of. The rhythms of Latin and Greek poets gave me...

“If anyone doesn’t want to work, don’t eat.” How many times has this wise saying been used and how many times has it been interpreted falsely? Everyone tried to explain the meaning of work in their own way. The shoemaker understood that labor is shoemaking; the blacksmith knew within himself that true labor lies in the blacksmith’s hammer. The Reaper shook his sickle as his only tool. The scientist, naturally, understood that the work was in his laboratory, and the warrior insisted on the work of military knowledge. Of course, they were all right all along; but, judging in selfhood, they first of all wanted to understand about themselves, and not about others.

October 9 is the birthday of Nicholas Roerich, a great artist, thinker and public figure. In 1984, at the IV Roerich Readings, at the suggestion of Natalia Dmitrievna Spirina, the conference participants decided to hold World Culture Day on October 9. This call was supported by numerous admirers of N.K. Roerich's work. Since 1990, the Siberian Roerich Society annually celebrates this date and thereby unites with the fraternal Roerich Societies, and with all people of good will, burning with aspirations for Good, Beauty and Knowledge.

The movement for the revival of cultural values began in Russia back in the 19th century and led to the discovery of unprecedented treasures. The largest event in the history of Russian culture was the revival of the Russian icon. As a result of clearing the icons from darkened linseed oil and later “recordings” (the so-called renovations), a hitherto unknown art world. “Here our people's soul revealed the most beautiful thing it has - the transparent depth of religious inspiration. Dostoevsky said that “beauty will save the world.” Our icon painters saw this beauty and immortalized...

Nikolai Konstantinovich, admiring the beauty of the ancient Buddhist thangkas, wrote: “...Now there is new item studying and admiring. Central Asian art is suitable. In the fiery fantasy, in the majesty of the subtle form, in the intense complex range of tones, a completely special, vibrant creativity is revealed.” Many images of the Buddhist pantheon of Mahayana deities appear on Roerich's paintings - Buddha Shakyamuni, Bodhisattva Maitreya, Padma Sambhava, Tsonghava, Milarepa, as well as the formidable defenders of Buddhism - the Dharmapalas.

Recalling meetings and collaboration with the outstanding Russian artist, thinker and humanist Nicholas Roerich, his closest follower Zinaida Grigorievna Fosdick, vice-president of the Nicholas Roerich Museum in New York until the end of her life, used a definition that was striking in its accuracy: “ Communication with Roerich was equivalent to visiting several universities at the same time...” The list of names included in the “Roerich circle” is enormous. The peaks of the spirit that the volunteer students of the “Roerich universities” have to overcome are supported by the heavens. The path is rocky... But there are people who...

- Natalia Dmitrievna, did B.N. discuss with you? Abramov's notes from when you lived in Harbin?
- We regularly met and studied once a week, Boris Nikolaevich began each lesson by reading some of his Notes. Boris Nikolaevich received these Records from the Supreme Source. We always looked forward to hearing his next Recording, and after that the classes would begin. Each of us brought what we had earned during the week. We took topics, made selections; We read something, and naturally we had questions. He was always waiting for questions. They read out what was especially special to us...

Nicholas Konstantinovich Roerich often called his paintings messengers. They carried the news of Beauty, Goodness and Feat to different countries. The fates of these messengers of Light were often dramatic.

In our previous publications, we met Princess M.K. Tenisheva and her brainchild, Talashkin. Now let's talk about the works of N.K. Roerich, which are directly related to his stay in this artistic center.

In the life of Nicholas Konstantinovich Roerich there was a day in his youth that he remembered for the rest of his life. If before that he received recognition as an accomplished artist, when Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov bought his painting “Messenger. “The rise of race against race,” then on that day he received recognition from the highest spiritual authority of Russia.

By introducing you to some of the literary works of Nicholas Roerich, we also want to show his poems. The poet Valentin Sidorov, in the preface to one of the collections of poems he published, wrote: “We can say that we now know the artist-Roerich. We know less about the writer Roerich. We don’t know the poet Roerich at all.”

On the eve of Hitler's attack on Soviet Union Roerich, anticipating the second world war, just as he foresaw the first, he wrote: “ Great Motherland, all your spiritual treasures, all your ineffable beauties, all your inexhaustibility in all expanses and peaks - we will defend.”

There are many amazing pages in the spiritual chronicle of the Roerichs. Many of them are still unknown. Over time, the curtains are gradually lifted and the details of their noble activities are clarified. Some paintings by Nikolai Konstantinovich and Svyatoslav Nikolaevich illustrate significant events in the life of the Roerich family and help to better understand the meaning of these events. Let us remember the cycle of paintings associated with shrines that were handed over to the Roerichs.

The idea of protecting cultural property in the event of a military conflict has been repeatedly expressed in the history of European legal thought since the 16th century. But the most well-prepared and widely supported proposal to conclude an international convention for the protection of monuments and cultural institutions, both in war and in peacetime, was put forward already in the 20th century by the famous Russian artist Nicholas Roerich. Unlike previous projects that remained unrealized, this proposal was translated into legal reality as a result of the signing by the countries of the Western Hemisphere of...

Thinking about the work of Roerich the father, I came to the exhibition of his son Svyatoslav Nikolaevich at the Tretyakov Gallery. And I recognized him immediately when I met him in one of the half-empty halls in the morning. He was dressed simply. French jacket. No signs, awards, no external greatness. The greatness of feelings...

In addition to getting to know the antiquities of Smolensk, Nikolai Konstantinovich also planned a trip to Talashkino, the estate of Princess Tenisheva, about which he had heard a lot. Here Maria Klavdievna Tenisheva, a famous philanthropist and patron of the arts, set up an entire town where folk craftsmen worked under the experienced guidance of craftsmen, reviving ancient Russian crafts.

One of the most famous and revered Lights all over the world is St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. N. Roerich repeatedly turned to the image of this Saint throughout his life. He mentions Saint Nicholas in essays and in different years dedicates his paintings to Him. It is obvious that the Saint Heavenly Patron artist, this follows from the name itself - Nikolai. But let’s try to understand more deeply why the artist and spirit seer Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich pays such attention to this image and how exactly he interprets It in his creations.

We are witnessing how, despite all opposition, the number of people who build their worldview on the basis of the Teaching of Living Ethics is growing uncontrollably; in the cities and towns most remote from large centers, Roerich societies and groups arise; Research on the Roerich movement in Russia is already appearing. And everyone who studies Living Ethics faces very serious questions that people want to solve...

Among the many paintings by Svyatoslav Nikolaevich Roerich, there are special ones created in connection with the most important events in the life of the Roerich family. This is the painting “The Sacred Casket” he painted in 1928 - one of his most symbolic paintings. On it in the center, on foreground, depicts an ancient Casket. Underneath is a small piece of fabric with a pattern. Both of these things are located on a platform covered with dark velvet. Let us note that on Russian icons the New Testament, the Holy Book, was depicted on a cloth-covered throne, sometimes surrounded by Cherubim, as, for example, on the icon of Sophia the Wisdom of God.

All these years, Atamanov's original house continued to collapse. It was still a monument of local (municipal) significance, but neither the district nor the republican leadership took any action to restore it. The intention of the Commission for the creation of the N.K. Roerich House-Museum to carry out restoration work in the second stage lasted for decades.
In 1995, the Siberian Roerich Society (SibRO) actively became involved in solving this problem. The petition of the Siberian Roerich Society was supported by the State Assembly of the El Kurultai of the Altai Republic, which passed...

Bright, blooming nature; a centuries-old history full of unsolved mysteries; a land that conceals in its depths the rich heritage of its ancestors - all this is Izvara, “ family nest» Nicholas Konstantinovich Roerich.
Fate gave me the opportunity to visit Izvara in July of this year. The first thing that particularly impressed me was amazing beautiful world nature. A fragrant field, a park inhabited by numerous “green inhabitants”, among which are centuries-old linden and spruce trees, colorful lawns, fragrant rose bushes... There is a feeling that in this remote corner of the Leningrad region the poetic pearls of Russian poets have come to life...

“In distant countries, beyond the great lakes, behind the high mountains, there is a sacred place where justice flourishes. There lives the highest knowledge and the highest wisdom for the salvation of the entire future of humanity. This place is called Belovodye,” wrote N.K. Roerich in his travel diary. Such legends about Belovodye served as the subject for several of his paintings from the Altai cycle.
Whole families of Altai Old Believers went in search of this Land of Happiness. “...At the very end of the last (19th) century, an expedition of Ural Cossacks-Old Believers was sent to Belovodye, but they went the wrong way and...

Many ancient travelers scattered their treasures across the vast expanses of Siberia. Many tribes filled the land of Mongolia, Minusinsk and Altai in a constant stream. In Altai, they remembered the call of other distant mountains and again rushed forward, not counting the days, years, or centuries of their wanderings.

Paintings painted by Nicholas Roerich during his stay in Altai or subsequently, but also dedicated to Altai, can be combined into the “Altai Cycle”. There are about twenty such works. Considering the overall huge number of artistic works created by Roerich, it is difficult to single out those that are dedicated to Altai, especially since the vast majority of such paintings were created after Nicholas Konstantinovich visited this protected region. Only the artist’s own explanations in his diaries and articles make it possible to classify this or that work as a specified topic, n...

In his travel diary “Altai - Himalayas,” Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich writes about the many Old Believer rumors that exist in Siberia: “Popovtsy, bespopovtsy, striguns, jumpers, Pomeranians, Netovtsy (who do not recognize anything, but consider themselves “according to the old faith”) bring so many incomprehensible disputes. And among the Semeiskie, that is, Old Believers who exiled whole families to Siberia, the Dark Believers and Kalashniks are also included in Transbaikalia. The Dark Believers each have their own closed icon and pray to it alone. If someone prayed to the same icon, then it would be considered unusable. Even stranger are Kalashnikovs. They are praying...

Holiday. Let this be the holiday with which the victory of the spring sun has always been celebrated. When we went out into the forests for a long time; admired the color of the trees; when they made fragrant wreaths from the first herbs and decorated themselves with them. (...)
People were happy. Art began among them. ...What a beautiful life it was. What strong people lived it. How vital and close art was to everyone...
We must open our eyes to the beauty that has been buried and forgotten and move from there to a renewal of life in the name of the future.

IN ancient music rhythm was the fundamental principle. In the center of the set for the first part of the ballet “The Rite of Spring” - “Kiss the Earth” - there is a huge tree with bizarre bends in its branches, reminiscent of the rhythm of the dance movements in Stravinsky’s music. And all around are soft, rounded lines of gentle hills, lakes and birch trunks - a gentle song of native Russian nature.

...In ancient Maulbek, a gigantic image of the Coming One stands imperiously along the path. Every traveler must pass by this rock. Two hands to the sky, like a call from distant worlds. Two hands down as a blessing to the earth. They know Maitreya is coming. (N.K. Roerich)

This is how the artist himself recalled the blessed time of “walking through Russian shrines,” when the idea of the need to preserve all these treasures naturally arose. “So many chapters! How many gilded and blue and green, and with stars, and with tracery! How many crosses! How many towers and walls have been erected around the Russian treasure! For the whole world, this treasure brings good news and arouses veneration. It’s been forty years of walking around Russian shrines. It reminds me how it happened...

“Regarding the question of those curious about how the clergy relates to N.K. [Roerich], we can say that N.K. among his best friends he counted and still counts many heads of the Orthodox Church, for example, the just departed Metropolitan Platon in America, Metropolitan Anthony and Bishop Nestor, Father Spassky and even several other representatives Christian churches, among them three are very outstanding. (...) N.K. never and nowhere speaks and will not speak against religions. Masses without religion turn to true fiend of hell!»
E.I. Roerich

The central place in the system of pedagogical principles of N.K. and E.I. Roerich is interested in spiritual and moral issues: education of the heart, feelings, and the ability to achieve feats. In this process, special importance is attached to instilling love for the Motherland. “In order to love the Motherland, you need to know it,” wrote Nikolai Konstantinovich in his “Testament” in 1939. It is not possible to even briefly outline all the components of this truly grandiose cultural and educational system, the essence of which Elena Ivanovna defined as follows: “Spirituality, Feat, Beauty - this trinity contains everything.”

Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich was captivated by the spring fairy tale of Ostrovsky - Rimsky-Korsakov back in early years and, according to the artist himself, she was very close to him. Here he could be attracted by many things - the unique charm of the images, the worldview of the ancient Slavs reflected in the fairy tale, and the general joyful and sunny flavor. But most importantly, as Nikolai Konstantinovich wrote, “The Snow Maiden” showed “a part of true Russia in its beauty.” Four times - in 1908, 1912, 1919, 1921 - Roerich turned to the design of “The Snow Maiden” for the opera and dramatic stage. On topics...

In an article dedicated to the centenary of N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov, N.K. Roerich writes: “The life of Nikolai Andreevich is remarkable. In his inexhaustible creativity, he moved forward, improving until his death. His latest creations are sophisticated: “Kitezh”, “Tsar Saltan”, “The Golden Cockerel”. But even the initial compositions, like “The Snow Maiden,” already showed the full power of his great talent. And “Sadko”, “Scheherazade”, “May Night” and the whole countless treasury of romances, symphonies - what a creative upsurge thundered tirelessly!..”