Nicholas Roerich began as an artist and remained so until the last years of his life. He was also called a historian, archaeologist and traveler. Roerich's philosophical and ethical treatises are well known in the world. Nikolai Konstantinovich's contribution to world culture began to be truly appreciated only years after his death.
Their biographies of Nicholas Roerich
Nicholas Roerich was born on October 9, 1874 in St. Petersburg in the family of a notary. The boy graduated from high school in 1893. After that, at the insistence of his father, Konstantin Fedorovich, Roerich entered the St. Petersburg University, the Faculty of Law. At the same time, Nikolai attends classes at the Academy of Arts, where he works in Kuindzhi's workshop. Roerich also found time for university lectures on history.
In the late 1890s, Nikolai Konstantinovich delved into the study of the history of Russia. He takes part in archaeological expeditions in the Pskov and Novgorod provinces. It was in those years that the cycle "The Beginning of Rus" was conceived.
In 1897, Roerich completed his studies at the Academy of Arts. Pavel Tretyakov bought his thesis ("The Messenger") for his collection. At the same time, Roerich became a member of the Russian Archaeological Society.
In 1899, the artist received an invitation from Sergei Diaghilev to take part in the exhibition of the World of Art association. For a number of years, Roerich was a member of this association.
In the early years of the 20th century, Nikolai Konstantinovich lived in the capital of France. At this time, he creates canvases "Idols", "Red Sails". In 1902, the artist's painting "The City is Being Built" was acquired by the Tretyakov Gallery on the recommendation of Valentin Serov.
Upon his return from France, Roerich became secretary of the Imperial Society for the Encouragement of Arts.
In 1903, about two hundred works of Nicholas Roerich were exhibited in St. Petersburg. Subsequently, his works were shown at international exhibitions in Prague, Vienna, Milan, Berlin.
Nikolai Konstantinovich took part in the design of books and the creation of scenery for the theater.
Roerich met his future wife, Helena Ivanovna, in 1899. She came from a family of intellectuals, played the piano, drew well. Later, Elena became interested in philosophy. The young people got married in 1901. The Roerich family had two children: sons Yuri and Svyatoslav.
Roerich after the February Revolution
In 1917, Roerich refused the offered post of Minister of Fine Arts. In May he leaves for Finland, and two years later he moves to London. Here he, together with his wife Elena, joined the Theosophical Society founded by E. Blavatsky. He was carried away by philosophical ideas, which was reflected in the paintings "The Indian Way", "Lakshmi", Dreams of India ".
In 1920, the artist moved to the United States, where he and his wife founded the Agni Yoga Society. Roerich's goal was to spread this religious and philosophical teaching. Three years later, Roerich went to exotic India, and then to one of the Himalayan principalities. From here the artist makes two expeditions to Central Asia and Manchuria.
During the Indian period of his life, Roerich created a number of philosophical and ethical works. In his works, he presented his vision of the concept of culture. The principles of Agni Yoga formed the basis of his views. Under the influence of his ideas, Nikolai Konstantinovich created more than two thousand canvases and sketches.
Nicholas Roerich passed away on December 13, 1947. His body was cremated two days later, and his ashes were buried in the artist's estate, in the Kullu valley.
