“Buried Treasures,” created by Nicholas Roerich in 1917, is a landscape painting that falls within the Symbolism art movement. The artwork, with its evocative and mystical portrayal, reflects Roerich’s affinity for symbolist themes.
The artwork illustrates a rugged landscape bathed in hues of red and pink, with rocky formations dominating the scene. These geological structures are intricately detailed, showcasing a range of textures and depths, hinting at the title’s allusion to hidden treasures. The reflection of the cliffs in a seemingly still body of water adds a mirror-like symmetry to the artwork. The color palette is warm and intense, suggesting an ethereal and otherworldly atmosphere. On the right side of the composition, a solitary figure in a small boat or canoe seems to interact with the scene, inviting viewers to ponder the secrets that might lie beneath the surface. The painting’s use of color and form exemplifies Roerich’s symbolic approach to depicting landscapes, imbuing them with a sense of mystery and spiritual significance.
