The artwork “Ashram,” created by Nicholas Roerich in 1933, is a tempera on canvas piece measuring 117 x 74 cm. This landscape painting, part of the “Ashrams” series, is representative of the Symbolism art movement and is housed in the Nicholas Roerich Museum in New York City, NY, US.
In the artwork, a serene and mystical landscape unfolds before the viewer. Dominated by towering cliffs bathed in warm, reddish hues, the composition exemplifies Roerich’s symbolic and visionary style. At the base of these monolithic structures, a tranquil body of water, rendered in rich green tones, reflects the grandeur above. A solitary figure in a boat, gently rowing through the emerald waters, adds a human element to the otherwise monumental and otherworldly scene. The intricate rock formations, embellished with what seem to be carvings of elephant figures, invite contemplation of ancient and sacred spaces, resonating with the spiritual atmosphere suggested by the title “Ashram.” The artwork encapsulates a sense of profound tranquility and timelessness, offering an evocative representation of inner and outer journeys.