The artwork, titled “Shadow of the Teacher,” was created by the artist Nicholas Roerich in 1947. The piece belongs to the Symbolism movement and is a landscape painting measuring 92 x 152.5 cm.
“Shadow of the Teacher” depicts a dramatic mountain landscape with jagged, towering peaks rendered in a combination of earthy tones and cool colors. The central focus of the artwork is a distinct shadow cast on one of the prominent rock faces, suggesting the contemplative presence of a figure or a higher spiritual entity amidst the vast and imposing natural backdrop. The mountains in the background are covered with snow, contrasting starkly with the solid, darker rock formations in the foreground. The interplay of light and shadow enhances the mystical aura of the piece, characteristic of the Symbolism art movement, which often conveys deeper spiritual and emotional meanings.