The artwork, titled “Buddhist temple in Darjeeling. Sikkim,” was created by Vasily Vereshchagin in 1874. It belongs to the Realism and Orientalism art movements and is classified as a cityscape genre.
In this artwork, Vereshchagin captures a serene scene featuring a Buddhist temple set against the majestic backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The temple, with its traditional architectural style, stands prominently to the left, its walls adorned with subtle detailing. Tall, slender prayer flags flutter gracefully in the wind, adding vertical dynamics to the composition. The foreground is depicted with humble elements, including scattered objects and a person clad in traditional attire, reinforcing a sense of daily life. The clear blue sky underlines the tranquil and spiritual atmosphere of the scene, inviting the viewer into a moment of quiet reflection in the Himalayan setting.
