“Ashram,” created by Nicholas Roerich in 1940, is a notable work executed on canvas using tempera. This piece belongs to the Symbolism movement and is a part of Roerich’s “Ashrams” series. Measuring 92 x 61 cm, the landscape genre artwork is housed in the State Museum of Oriental Art in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork showcases a serene and mystical landscape with towering rock formations enclosing a tranquil body of water. The scene is painted in a spectrum of muted purples, browns, and deep blues, creating an atmosphere of calmness and introspection. Two figures in a small boat navigate the serene waters, emphasizing the peaceful isolation of the scene. The composition and colors evoke a sense of spiritual retreat, fitting seamlessly into the “Ashrams” series, which explores themes of meditation and spiritual sanctuary.