“Burning the Darkness” by Nicholas Roerich, created in 1924, is a genre painting that belongs to the Symbolism art movement. Executed in tempera on canvas, this piece measures 88.3 by 116.8 cm and is part of Roerich’s “His Country” series. The artwork is exhibited at the Nicholas Roerich Museum in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork depicts a serene nocturnal scene framed by imposing, angular mountains rendered in deep, cool hues of blue, which imbues the painting with an otherworldly and ethereal quality. Amongst the ragged ridges and valleys, a group of solemn figures dressed in light robes walk in a procession, with one figure at the forefront carrying a radiant light, possibly symbolizing the act of bringing enlightenment or dispelling darkness. The celestial backdrop sprinkled with stars enhances the mystical ambiance, reinforcing thematic elements of hope, spiritual journey, and transcendence. The representation of light in contrast to the dark mountain landscape is suggestive of the powerful symbolism and profound spiritual narratives central to Roerich’s oeuvre.
