The artwork, “And we are not afraid,” was created by Nicholas Roerich in 1922. It employs tempera on canvas and belongs to the Symbolism art movement. The painting measures 72.5 x 102 cm and is part of the “Sancta” series. The genre of the artwork is classified as genre painting and is housed in the Roerich Museum located in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork presents a serene yet profound scene set against a backdrop of pale, snowy mountains bathed in soft pastel hues. Two figures draped in black robes stand in contemplation or quiet conversation, their faces barely revealed through their hooded garments. At their feet, a bear ambles calmly across the snow, adding an element of natural simplicity to the human presence. The figures and the bear coexist harmoniously within the wintery landscape, suggesting a deep, unspoken peace and mutual respect. The ethereal lighting of the dawn or dusk envelops the entire scene, accentuating the intrinsic mysticism and tranquility of the composition. In the distance, a solitary building with distinct Eastern architectural features rises subtly, blending into the encompassing serenity.
