Nicholas Roerich Biography and Works.

Also known as Nikolai Konstantinovich Rerikh, Nicholas Roerich (September 27, 1874 to December 13, 1947), was a Russian mystic, painter, philosopher, scientist, writer, traveler and public figure.

From childhood, Nicholas Roerich was attracted to painting, archaeology, history and the abundant cultural heritage of the East.

He was a prolific artist. He created thousands of paintings and about 30 literary works. Many of his paintings are exhibited in well-known museums of the world.

Roerich was also an author and a founder of an international movement for the defence of culture. He was also the initiator of an international pact for the protection of artistic and academic institutions and historical sites called the ‘Roerich’s Pact’.

Roerich earned several nominations for the Nobel Prize.

Members of Roerich’s family occupied prominent military and administrative posts in Russia since the reign of Peter I. Nicholas Roerich’s father, Konstantin Fedorovich was a well-known notary, who was born in Courland.

Roerich’s mother, Maria Vasil’evna Kalashnikova was descended from a long line of merchants and traders. Among the friends of the Roerich’s family, were famous personalities, such as D Mendeleyev, N Kostomarov, M Mikeshin, L Ivanovsky and many others.

Trivia

Roerich in translation from the ancient Scandinavian means ‘rich of fame.