The artwork titled “Iskander and Hermit” was created by Nicholas Roerich in 1938 using tempera on canvas. This mythological painting, part of the “Iran’s epic” series, falls under the Symbolism art movement. It measures 45.7 x 78.7 cm and is currently housed at the State Museum of Oriental Art in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork depicts a serene scene set against a backdrop of rugged mountains under a bright blue sky. In the foreground, a robed hermit with an ethereal appearance sits inside a rocky alcove, engaging in what appears to be a contemplative conversation with Iskander, who is seated just outside the cave. Iskander, wearing bright, traditional attire with a turban, holds a scroll in one hand, suggesting an exchange of knowledge or wisdom. The tranquil setting, together with the symbolic interaction between the figures, evokes a sense of mystical and philosophical depth.
