ROERICH, Svetoslav Nikolayevich 1904-1993

Original painting in watercolor and gouache signed with the artist's monogram and dated [19]23

Image size 185 x 120 mm; sheet size 230 x 187 mm. On laid paper.

The subject, a young female Indian dancer, is depicted in a long multi-colored dress, jewelry, and headdress.

Slightly worn; upper margin very slightly chipped; small pinhole to lower margin, not affecting image; minor overall creasing with slightly more pronounced horizontal crease.

Svetoslav Roerich, born in St. Petersburg, was the son of noted Russian painter Nicholas Roerich (1874-1947). Initially studying under his father, he subsequently attended art classes in London, at Columbia University, and at Harvard. He first visited India in 1923, during which time the present watercolor was most likely executed. Much of Roerich's early work is lost.

"Svetoslav started drawing at an early age and took up molding, attended classes of the Arts Encouragement Society School, created designs for home theatre settings, and even helped his father in his work on theatre design sketches. In 1913, he entered the Karl May Gymnasium in Saint-Petersburg where he studied until 1916. From 1919, Svetoslav Roerich studied architecture in London, at the Royal Academy of Arts. After a year, he continued his education in the USA, firstly at Columbia University and then at Harvard University. He also attended the the Massachusetts University Sculpture Department. In 1923, Svetoslav Roerich visited India for the first time. There he became acquainted with the most famous architectural masterpieces of Indian culture, as well as with the ancient and modern art of that country. In India, he laid the foundations of his unique collection of Oriental works of art that, unfortunately, went almost completely lost after his death. From 1931, living permanently in India, Svetoslav Roerich actively participated in its public and cultural life. He dearly loved that country and it became his second Motherland. In many of his wonderful canvases, Svetoslav Roerich sang the praises of India’s unique beauty, diversity of cultural traditions and subtleness of spiritual achievements." International Roerich Memorial Trust Online

We would like to thank Mr. Leonid Winestein for his assistance in the identification of the artist's monogram.

Item #41223

Price: $1,500.00  other currencies