“Monhegan (Creating)”, crafted by Nicholas Roerich in 1922 in the United States, is an exemplary work within the Symbolism movement. The painting, a landscape, forms part of the “Ocean” series, showcasing Roerich’s distinctive style and thematic focus.
The artwork features a dramatic coastline, with rugged, reddish cliffs descending sharply toward the ocean. The cliffs’ angular, jagged forms convey a sense of grandeur and timelessness. In the background, the sea is rendered in soothing, muted tones that contrast with the bold hues of the cliffs, creating a harmonious yet striking visual balance. Atmospheric effects, achieved through subtle gradations of color and light, add depth to the composition. The overall effect is both vivid and dreamlike, evoking a sense of the mystical and the eternal within the natural landscape.