The artwork titled “Red Lama,” created by Nicholas Roerich in 1924, belongs to the Symbolism art movement and is classified under the genre of religious painting. It is a part of the “Sikkim” series and is currently held in a private collection.
In this evocative piece, Roerich masterfully captures the serene presence of a monk, depicted in red robes, standing solemnly on a mountainous terrain. The striking backdrop features a majestic range of snow-capped mountains, set against a vivid, almost surreal orange sky. The composition uses a palette dominated by intense blues and vibrant hues, effectively conveying a sense of spiritual and mystical atmosphere inherent to the subject matter. Through the use of bold colors and symbolic imagery, the artwork conveys a deep sense of contemplation and reverence, characteristic of Roerich’s exploration of religious and cultural themes.