“St. Sergius Hermitage,” an exquisite artwork by Nicholas Roerich, created circa 1935, is a tempera on canvas piece that belongs to the Symbolism art movement. This landscape painting, measuring 61 x 99.5 cm, is part of the collection at the Latvian National Museum of Art in Riga, Latvia.
The artwork portrays a serene, winter landscape dominated by the depiction of a hermitage situated atop a snow-covered hill. The structure, characterized by its domed roof and subtle architectural details, stands stark and luminous against the deep, vibrant blue of the sky. The simplicity and clarity of the composition evoke a sense of tranquility and spiritual solitude, aligning with the symbolic and contemplative essence of Roerich’s oeuvre. The use of tempera on canvas enhances the artwork’s luminous quality, creating a captivating visual contrast between the cold snow and the clear, rich blue backdrop.
