The artwork titled “Enlightenment,” created by Nicholas Roerich in approximately 1921, belongs to the Symbolism art movement and is a representation of the landscape genre.
In “Enlightenment,” the viewer is presented with a dramatic and rugged landscape dominated by a large, mountainous formation that appears to cascade into a body of water. The rock face is intricately detailed, emphasizing the natural crags and textures of the terrain. The green hues atop the rocky surface suggest vegetation, adding a touch of life to this otherwise formidable landscape. The waters below reflect the same muted, somber tones as the sky above, which is mostly cloudy, creating a harmonious yet austere atmosphere. This artwork elicits a sense of contemplation and reverence for the natural world, characteristic of Roerich’s symbolic and mystical style.