The artwork titled “Holy Lake,” created by Nicholas Roerich in 1917, employs gouache, paper, and tempera as its medium. Roerich’s work is associated with the Art Nouveau (Modern) and Symbolism movements. Measuring 94 x 124.5 cm, the painting falls within the genre of genre painting and is housed in the Zimmerli Art Museum, located within Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, US.
“**Holy Lake**” by Nicholas Roerich depicts a serene, mystical scene characterized by steep rocky cliffs and a tranquil lake. The composition is dominated by hues of blue and ochre, invoking a sense of tranquility and spirituality. In the foreground, a solitary, robed figure stands contemplatively, holding a staff, and gazing towards the luminous water, which reflects the subdued tones of the sky. The architecture of a small, fortress-like structure crowns the cliff in the background, lending a sense of history and permanence to the ephemeral natural beauty. The landscape is punctuated by sparse, resilient trees that cling to the rocky terrain, adding to the scene’s rugged yet harmonious aesthetic. The painting’s style, imbued with elements of Symbolism, invokes a sense of the profound, bridging the viewer’s perception between the earthly and the sublime.