“The Pact of Culture,” created by Nicholas Roerich in 1931, is a symbolic painting that belongs to the Symbolism art movement. The artwork manifests Roerich’s profound engagement with cultural preservation and universal peace.
The artwork depicts a medieval cityscape under a banner inscribed with a red circle enclosing three smaller red circles, representing Roerich’s Banner of Peace. The emblem symbolizes the protection of cultural heritage. The architectural elements in the background, characterized by their pointed towers and historical style, reflect a harmonious and timeless civilization. The words “pax” and “cultura,” meaning “peace” and “culture,” are prominently displayed, underscoring the intertwined relationship between cultural preservation and peace. The muted palette and stylized forms further underscore the mystical and contemplative nature of the piece, emblematic of the Symbolism movement’s focus on metaphor, allegory, and deeper meanings.
