The artwork entitled “Higher than mountains” was created by Nicholas Roerich in 1924. This piece is associated with the Symbolism movement and is categorized as a mythological painting. Roerich, known for his profound spiritual and artistic expressions, infuses this work with a sense of the mystical and the divine.
“Higher than mountains” presents a serene and monochromatic landscape dominated by large, solid mountain forms that rise majestically above what appears to be a tranquil sea. Above the mountain peaks and over the serene blues, a mystical figure is depicted, possibly floating or flying, suggesting an ethereal presence or a being from mythic narratives. The figure’s delicate outlines and faint depiction contrast with the solid, stark blue mountains below, further emphasizing the ethereal nature of this entity.
The atmosphere of the artwork is calm and sublime, with the use of a limited color palette enhancing the dreamlike and symbolic quality of the scene. The overall effect is one of peace and stillness, with the mystical figure imparting a sense of the transcendent, harmoniously bridging the earthly realm of the mountains and the unknown expanses of the sky above. Roerich’s work here exemplifies the Symbolist aim to visually articulate the ineffable and the spiritual through representative forms.
