Tanais Gallery
Nicholas Roerich. Treasure of the Angels.
Mural design.
1905. Canvas, oil, tempera. 315 х 366.
Konstantinovsky palace, Strelna (near to St. Petersburg), Russia.
From a collection by G.Vishnevskaya and M.Rostropovitsh. The collection is acquired by the Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov in September, 2007 and is transferred to the state.
Vast knowledge and his love of antiquity developed sensitivity and gentle attitude to old traditions of the
Old Russian icon-painting. “Angels’ Treasure”, “Boris and Glebe”, “Apostles Peter and Pavel”, “St. Michael the
Archangel” made in 1904-1907 these easel-painting compositions and sketches for mosaic pictures are referred
to the most famous works painted on the religious topics. All these works are created on the base of the thorough
study of the Old Russian painting.
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Archangel.
1907. Tree, oil. 45 х 55.
New Hermitage Gallery collection,
Moscow, Russia.
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In 1904 Roerich painted the first of his paintings on religious themes. These mostly dealt with Russian saints
and legends, and included Message to Tiron, Fiery Furnace, and The Last Angel, subjects that he returned to with
numerous variants in later years. The Treasure of the Angels was described by one writer: “A host of angels in
white garments stand silently row after row guarding a mysterious treasure with which are bound up the destinies
of the world. It is a blue black stone with an image of the crucifix cut into it, glowing with emerald hues.
”The angels are an early depiction of the hierarchical Masters that peopled the heart of Roerich's belief in a
Great Brotherhood, watching over and guiding humanity in its eternal journey of evolution.
The “stone”
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pictured by Roerich is the representation of an image that recurs in different forms in his paintings and throughout his writings. The word “treasure” figures prominently in the titles of many of Roerich's paintings, as, for instance, in The Treasure of the Mountain and Hidden Treasure. It is clearly not material wealth that he refers to, but rather the spiritual treasures that lie buried, yet available to those with the will to unearth them.
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Stone
– There are well known legends and sagas about the wandering stone—lapis exilis—which is glorified throughout centuries from the Pacific coast—to the mediaeval Meistersingers, to the famous Wolfram von Escenbach … It is true that one may find in legends indications about signs on the stone, which appear and disappear. It is said that the stone warns his temporary owner of various significant events. On special occasions the stone emits cracking sounds, it may become very heavy, or on the other hand may lose weight considerably. At times the stone radiates light. The stone is usually brought to the new owner quite unexpectedly by some strangers. Not without cause are so many sagas and songs dedicated to it. The stone is also mentioned in mediaeval scientific and historical chronicles. On the Himalayas, in Tibet, and Mongolia one constantly comes across references to this miracle. In the same connection the name of the mysterious King—Prester John—is also often cited, and even the Holy Grail is identified with this stone. (Nicholas Roerich, Himavat).
LEGEND OF THE STONE.
Fragments.
(Cryptograms of the East).
HROUGH the desert I come—I bring the Chalice covered with the Shield. Within it is a treasure—the Gift of Orion.
Under the ground are assembled the religious fathers to analyze the nature of the Stone. “Why, when the Stone becomes dark, do the clouds gather? When the Stone feels heavy, blood is shed. When a star shines over the Stone, comes success. When the Stone creaks, the enemy approaches. When comes a dream of fire over the Stone, the world is convulsed. When the Stone is tranquil, walk courageously. But do not pour wine over the Stone! Burn over it only cedar-balsam. Carry the Stone in an ivory casket.
As one must be accustomed to heat and to cold, so must one become accustomed to the radiance of the Stone. Each of the bearers of the Stone must abide with it tranquilly awhile. The intoxication from Its rays is unseen but Its inner heat is mightier than radium. Unseen flows the Myrrh but the Stone rests visible upon the web of Its native land.
Amidst the breath of the steppe and the crystal resonance of the mountains the spirit of the Stone marks the way of the banner. The miracle of Orion’s rays is guiding the people.
Priestly knowledge of all time prepared men for the worthy reception of the Treasure. Long since have wisdom’s laws revealed the day when a dual eclipse and the submersion of the sanctities would mark the new advent of the Stone. Let us in prayer await our destiny!
Oh, Stone, start hence over the sea. Let the bird bring to the ear the tiding: The Stone cometh.
I walk firmly and securely: I am holding the Stone.
I am learning the prayer: Forsake me not, my Lord. I have gathered all strength. Forsake me not for I come unto Thee!
On Mount Ararat lies the fiery Stone. A knight of Novgorod killed himself over the Stone because of unbelief. The great freedom of Novgorod proved the possession of the treasure but heresy diverted the fulfilment of the miracle.
The best relic of the power of the Stone is symbolized by the serpent’s Stone—symbol of a wise possession.
The follower of night sought to regain possession of the Stone. But the Treasure was ever the token of Light. Not for long did sly rulers possess the Stone, being unaware that striving for right alone can rule the fire of the Stone.
In each ray of the East they already seek the Stone.
The time will come; the dates will be fulfilled. Designated is the ordained way when of Itself the Stone will come from the West.
We affirm to await and understand the way of the Stone.
Await the Stone!
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