Do not be daunted # 5 (And we are not afraid) Roerich N.K. (Part 3)
Roerich N.K. – Do not be daunted # 5 (And we are not afraid)
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Location: Foundation ART RUSSE (Collection of A. Filatov). Russia
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Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich created more than 7,000 paintings during his lifetime. From an early age the boy was attracted to the rich cultural heritage of Russia, but at the same time he was also interested in the culture of the East. After graduating from high school Nicholas entered both the Faculty of Law at the University and the Academy of Fine Arts. It was incredibly difficult to study at two institutions of higher education in parallel, but Roerich coped with this dilemma.
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Description of the painting "And we are not afraid" by Nikolai Roerich
Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich created more than 7,000 paintings during his lifetime. From an early age the boy was attracted to the rich cultural heritage of Russia, but at the same time he was also interested in the culture of the East. After graduating from high school Nicholas entered both the Faculty of Law at the University and the Academy of Fine Arts. It was incredibly difficult to study at two institutions of higher education in parallel, but Roerich coped with this dilemma. As a gymnasium student, he began to conduct archaeological excavations on his own, and achieved great success in this endeavor.
As an artist, N.K. Roerich created many genre and historical paintings. All his paintings show deep knowledge of historical material - Nikolai K. Roerich took on the work only when he was sure that his knowledge in this or that sphere of history was enough for painting a serious and historically correct picture. Roerich believed that sooner or later art will unite mankind, and as a public figure did everything to ensure that this time comes sooner.
The painting "And we are not afraid" belongs to the series "Sancta", dedicated to the life of Russian religious ascetics. Laconic, clear, pure in color paintings were a real revelation in the artistic culture of the early twentieth century. Russian nature and ancient Russian architecture are recreated by the master with particular skill.
On the canvas the viewer can see two monks, enthusiastically talking about something. Both are dressed in black monastic robes that stand out as dark spots against the background of the majestic sunset sky. A young bear stands quietly at the feet of the older monk. This animal is a direct indication that the painting depicts the Venerable Sergius. It was he who, left alone in the middle of the woods, lived in seclusion for several years. At that time, Sergius tamed a bear, which used to come to the monk for food. To paint this subject, Roerich used rather bright but soft tones of cool undertones. Such a range helped him to achieve a perfect color rendition of the snow-covered plain and the distant mountain covered with snow.
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In the foreground, three dark, elongated figures stand sentinel. Their form is simplified, almost abstract, resembling cloaks or robes more than human shapes. They are positioned in a linear arrangement, drawing the eye towards the central element of the scene: a large bear traversing the snowfield. The animal’s posture conveys a sense of deliberate movement; it appears to be walking with purpose through this desolate terrain.
Nestled at the base of the mountain is a small structure, possibly a building or shrine, rendered in muted tones and appearing almost swallowed by the surrounding landscape. Its presence introduces an element of human intervention within this otherwise wild setting.
The color palette contributes significantly to the painting’s mood. The predominance of pinks and purples evokes a sense of melancholy and introspection, while the dark figures provide a visual anchor and introduce a note of mystery. The contrast between the soft light and the stark silhouettes creates a dynamic interplay that engages the viewer.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of resilience and defiance in the face of overwhelming forces. The bear, often associated with strength and courage, appears unperturbed by its surroundings or the looming presence of the dark figures. The mountain itself can be interpreted as a symbol of challenge or adversity. The cloaked forms might represent protectors, witnesses, or perhaps even embodiments of fear – yet they do not impede the bear’s progress. The small structure suggests a fragile hope or enduring faith within this challenging environment. Overall, the painting conveys a sense of quiet determination and an implicit message of facing difficulties with unwavering resolve.