The artwork named “Dorje the Daring One” was created by Nicholas Roerich in 1925. It is a tempera painting on canvas sized 74 x 117.5 cm and falls under the Symbolism art movement. The genre of the painting is religious, and it is part of Roerich’s “Banners of the East” series. This particular piece is housed at the Nicholas Roerich Museum in New York City, NY, US.
In this artwork, the mountainous landscape encompasses hues of reds and pinks creating an ethereal and otherworldly atmosphere. The centerpiece of the scene is an enigmatic figure that commands attention with its intense, fiery countenance and a crown adorned with skulls. Its visage is marked with striking yellow eyes and a third eye on the forehead, exuding a sense of sacred might. Positioned in the bottom left corner is a solitary monk, engrossed in spiritual practice, reverently holding sacred objects. The contrasting positions and sizes of these figures suggest a narrative of divine or mystical interaction amidst a majestic and mystical landscape. The use of bold colors and symbolic imagery reflects the artist’s deep engagement with spiritual and philosophical themes.
