The artwork, “Padmasambhava,” created by Nicholas Roerich in 1924, is a tempera on canvas measuring 74 x 117 cm. This religious painting belongs to the Symbolism art movement and is part of the “Banners of the East” series. The piece is currently housed in the Nicholas Roerich Museum in New York City, New York, United States.
The artwork features vibrant and lush green mountainous landscapes with overlapping hues of greens and blues, symbolizing a serene and mystical atmosphere. Encompassing the composition is a large, elevated figure adorned in a vivid red and mustard robe, possibly depicting Padmasambhava, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Adjacent to this figure is a smaller, seated figure donning similar attire, enshrined in a glowing halo, suggesting spiritual divine presence. The cascading waterfall and flowing river imbued in the scene signify the purity and tranquility of the natural surroundings, aligning with the religious and symbolic tones of the piece. The overall aesthetic captures a meditative and transcendental essence, reflective of Nicholas Roerich’s artistic vision and spiritual inclination.
