The artwork titled “Saraha – the Blessed Arrow” by Nicholas Roerich, created in 1925, is a tempera on canvas measuring 73.5 x 117 cm. This piece belongs to the Symbolism art movement and falls within the genre of symbolic painting. It is part of Roerich’s series “Banners of the East” and is presently held in a private collection.
The artwork portrays a serene and mountainous landscape, characterized by tall, slender trees and rolling green hills that lead up to rugged snow-capped peaks in the background. Situated near the center on an elevation is a solitary figure dressed in a robe, depicted in a meditative posture. The individual, seemingly in a moment of introspection or enlightenment, holds an arrow, which aligns with the title of the painting. The scene evokes a sense of tranquility and contemplation, typical of Roerich’s focus on spiritual and mystical themes. The muted colors and fluid, dynamic lines emphasize the natural beauty and serene atmosphere of the setting, reflecting Roerich’s symbolic and metaphysical artistic ideals.
