The artwork titled “Message from Shambhala” was created by the artist Nicholas Roerich in the year 1931. Executed on canvas using tempera, this piece is a significant contribution to the Symbolism movement and is categorized within the landscape genre.
The artwork presents a dramatic mountainous landscape with steep, rugged cliffs framing the scene. On the left side of the composition, a solitary fortress towers atop a sheer cliff, partially in shadow, suggesting both isolation and reverence. Majestic clouds, rendered in soft, muted hues, occupy the central part of the sky, contributing to an ethereal and expansive atmosphere. In the foreground, a figure dressed in vibrant red stands amidst the rocky terrain, engaged in some form of communication or signaling, perhaps conveying the titular “message from Shambhala.” The use of bold, contrasting colors and sharp outlines in the mountains provides a sense of solidity and permanence, while the softer treatment of the sky and clouds offers a balance, introducing a sense of tranquility and mystery. This composition effectively combines elements of spirituality and the sublime, characteristic of the Symbolism movement.