Nicholas Roerich began as an artist and remained with him until the last years of his life. He was also called a historian, archaeologist and traveler. The philosophical and ethical treatises of Roerich gained great fame in the world. Nikolai Konstantinovich’s contribution to world culture was truly appreciated only years after he passed away.
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 University of Petersburg, at the Faculty of Law. At the same time, Nikolai attends classes at the Academy of Arts, where he works in the workshop of Kuindzhi. Roerich also finds 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 "Beginning of Russia" was conceived.
In 1897, Roerich completed his studies at the Academy of Arts. His thesis (“The Messenger”) was acquired for his collection by Pavel Tretyakov. Then Roerich became an associate 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 several 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 paintings "Idols", "Red Sails". In 1902, the Tretyakov Gallery acquired the painting of the artist "The City Is Built" on the recommendation of Valentin Serov.
Upon returning from France, Roerich became secretary of the Imperial Society for the Promotion of Arts.
In 1903, about two hundred works of Nicholas Roerich were exhibited in St. Petersburg. Subsequently, his work was 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, Elena Ivanovna, in 1899. She came from an intelligentsia family, played the piano, and drew well. Later, Elena became interested in philosophy. Young people married in 1901. The Roerich family had two children: sons Yuri and Svyatoslav.
