The artwork titled “Charaka,” created by Nicholas Roerich circa 1936, is a tempera on canvas that exemplifies the Symbolism art movement. This history painting measures 31 x 46.2 cm and is housed in the Novosibirsk State Museum of Fine Arts in Novosibirsk, Russia.
The artwork depicts a scene dominated by mountainous landscapes with a blend of vibrant colors and serene compositions. In the background, a range of mountains is portrayed with hues of purple and white, suggesting snow-capped peaks under a clear sky. In the foreground, a figure, presumably Charaka, can be observed moving through the landscape. The figure is set against an expanse of golden-yellow foliage, creating contrasting earth tones that enhance the visual depth. The flowing robes of the figure and the undulating shapes of the natural elements invoke a sense of movement and timelessness, characteristic of Roerich’s symbolic and spiritual themes.
