In addition to Nicholas, the family had three children: younger brothers, Boris and Vladimir, and older sister Lydia. Together with his family lived and paternal grandfather, Fyodor Ivanovich (died at age 105 years), has a collection of Masonic symbols. Summer and winter holidays Roerich family spent at a country manor Izvara acquired Konstantin Roerich in 1872 from Count Semen Vorontsov (known as "Izvara" was given to the estate Vorontsov after returning from a trip to India, in Sanskrit means "God" or "Divine Spirit" ). In 1883 Nicholas Roerich passed the entrance exams in one of the best and most expensive private schools, St. Petersburg - the gymnasium of Carl von May. Examinations have been deposited with such ease that the background in May said: "There will be a professor!". Most subjects were taught in German. Among the variety of hobbies Nicholas was drawing, geography, history, archeology, mineral collecting, horseback riding, hunting. The first drawing teacher was a friend of his father Nicholas - Artist Michael Mikeshin.
In 1893 Nicholas Roerich entered the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts, where he studied at the AI Kuindzhi (graduated in 1897). Simultaneously, by assumption, expressed by a father who wanted his son a more practical education, Nikolay entered the law faculty at State University (graduated in 1898), a course of History and Philology. Along with teaching at the University of Nicholas Roerich earns illustrating magazines "Zvezda" and "World illustration and icon painting, having received orders from several churches. In 1897, NK Roerich among other students Kuindzhi left the Academy in protest against the dismissal of his favorite teacher and continues to work initiated a series of paintings on themes of life of the ancient Slavs ( "Beginning of Russia. Slavs"). The ancient chronicles and books began to study more thoroughly in 1895, when met VV Stasov, headed the art department at the Public Library. Even in years of study at the University of Roerich became a member of the Russian Archaeological Society.

After finishing his studies at the Academy and the University became assistant editor of the magazine's own Stasova "Art and art industry", article published in the magazine, signing a pseudonym R. Outcast. Supported Stasova became assistant director of the Museum Society for the Promotion of Artists. First visit of Nicholas Roerich was carried out on the boat in the summer of 1899 from St. Petersburg to Novgorod on the great waterway, which over a thousand years ago the Vikings sailed barges Vikings. In 1900, Konstantin Roerich died, Maria Roerich Izvara sold, and the money Nicholas was able to deliver long-awaited dream come true - in September he went to study in Paris, on the way stopped in Berlin, Dresden and Munich. In the workshop historical painter Fernand Cormon Nicholas Roerich studied until mid-1901, returning in the summer in Russia. October 28, 1901 in the Church of the Imperial Academy of Arts, in six hours in the afternoon, Nicholas Roerich and Helena Shaposhnikov, learned about the summer of 1899, became husband and wife. Helena, the niece of Princess Putyatina, was five years younger than Nicholas Roerich. On the rest of her life she would be his "druginey and inspiration, and he would call her" Lada ", an ancient Russian name, which to him sounded" harmony, inspiration and strength. " To provide for the family, in the same 1901 Roerich proposed its candidature for the post of Secretary of Society of Promotion of artists and was admitted to the post, despite the presence of other, more senior and experienced applicants. The summer of 1903 Roerich and his wife traveled to Russia, visiting twenty-seven cities. The purpose of travel was to study the ancient architecture. Results trips were represented at the exhibition of architectural sketches Roerich Museum, which opened in the Society of Encouragement of Artists in January 1904. Nicholas II, who visited the exhibition and wished that the whole series became a museum of Alexander III (now the Russian Museum), but the day of his visit to Russia declared war on Japan, and the case remained unresolved. That same year, seventy sketches and a few other paintings of Nicholas Roerich was sent to America as part of the Russian exposition at the exhibition and sale in the city of Saint-Louis (paintings returned to Russia only after seventy years of age).

Since 1906 - Director of the Drawing School in this society (before 1918). Since 1909 - Member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. In 1910-1919 - Chairman of the World of Art ". By the 1917 revolution NK Roerich treated sympathetically, was a member of the Commission on the Arts, established in March 1917 under the chairmanship AM Gorky. In May 1917, in connection with severe lung disease, Nicholas Roerich was forced to leave the Karelian isthmus.

In the spring of 1918 he lived abroad: in the early 20-ies in the U.S. since 1923, with interruptions, and in 1936 all the time - in India. In 1918, NK Roerich traveled throughout Finland, Norway, Denmark, England, with an exhibition of his works, and in 1920 went to America, where his work enjoyed especially great success. In the 20's and 30-ies made two great expeditions to Central and East Asia (in 1924-1928, together with his wife Helena Roerich and his son George Roerich, and in 1934-1935). In 1926, visited Moscow, was in the Altai. In 1929, together with his son, founded the Institute of Himalayan Research ( "Urusvati") in Nagar. Since 20-ies Nicholas Roerich led educational activities to raise worldwide awareness of the cause of protection of cultural monuments (on the basis put forward their so-called Roerich Pact in 1954 in The Hague had signed the Final Act of the International Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, ratified by many countries, including the USSR). In 1942-1944 he was honorary president of the American-Russian Cultural Association. NK Roerich died Dec. 13, 1947 in the village of Nagar (valley of Kulu, Punjab, India). In 1991 in Moscow established the International Center of the Roerich (converted from the Soviet fund Roerich).

Among the literary works of Nicholas Roerich - poetry, prose, essay: "The legal status of artists in the Ancient Rus' (1898, diploma thesis at the Faculty of St. Petersburg State University)," Flowers of Moria "(1921, poems)," Blessing Way " (1924), "Heart of Asia" (1929), "The Citadel of Flame" (1932), "inviolable" (1936), "The Gate to the Future" (1936), "Altai - the Himalayas," "artistic technique as applied to archeology" (lectures at St. Petersburg Archaeological Institute), articles on art and Antiquities

Nicholas Roerich - author of more than 7000 paintings, united in thematic cycles and series. Among the paintings by Nicholas Roerich - Mongolian, Tibetan, Himalayan series of mountain landscapes, symbolic compositions, a series of ninety paintings (monuments of ancient architecture): "The Messenger." Restore born on race "(from" The Slavs. Beginning of Russia ", the painting was brought to Roerich as a thesis for graduation from the Academy of Fine Arts, 1897; Tretyakov Gallery), "Hike" (1899), "Overseas visitors" (the subtitle - "Folk Art"; 1901; Tretyakov Gallery, the exhibition at the Academy of Fine Arts in 1902, now acquired by Tsar Nicholas II dedicating it to the Tsarskoe Selo palace), "Build a City" (1902, Tretyakov Gallery), "Battle in the Heavens", "Stone Age" (1910, whereabouts unknown), "a human forefathers" (1911, whereabouts unknown), "Scream snake" (1913, Pskov museum), "Grad doomed" (1914, whereabouts unknown), "The Sign" (1915; Odessa Art Museum), "Guga Chohan" (1931, Tretyakov Gallery), "Signs Gesera" (1940, Russian Museum) "Himalayas. Nanda Devi (1941, Russian Museum), "Tibet. Monastery "(1942, Russian Museum)," Remember "(1945, Russian Museum). Among the works in the field of theatrical and decorative painting - scenery of the opera The Maid of Pskov by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1909), the drama" Peer Gynt " H. Ibsen (1912), ballet "The Rite of Spring" Stravinsky (1913), M. Maeterlinck's play, "Sister Beatrice" (1914), the opera "Prince Igor" by Alexander Borodin (1914; Russian Seasons C. Diaghilev). Among the works of monumental art - sketches for church frescoes and mosaics: the Church of the Holy Spirit in Talashkino (1914), majolica painted friezes and panels in private osobnyakah.S 1906 Nicholas Roerich wrote in tempera, with 20 -- ies - mostly synthetic dyes. 10 years after the death of Nicholas Roerich, more than 400 works he created in India, according to the will of Nicholas Roerich was transferred to the museums of the USSR.

Things began to change only when Russia's side and the Indian public raised the alarm after learning that the estate is literally pulled apart into pieces. "The previous government of Karnataka, headed by the current Minister of Foreign Affairs Somanahalli Mallayya Krishna, done a lot in order to convert the former homestead in the memorial, museum and cultural center of international importance", - said Kadakin.

On his impressions, Krishna, who is now co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation, left in Bangalore "big hurt". An invaluable contribution to the preservation of cultural and spiritual heritage have made indifferent enthusiasts - Nile Mandzhunath, the Commissioner of the historical and architectural heritage of the state and state managing Roerich "Tataguni" from the administration of Karnataka, Nudzhib Ahmed. "The house where they lived Roerich, a workshop, where he worked as a painter and his paintings were - it all cleaned and put in order. Archival materials, including correspondence, photographs, carefully codified, - says the ambassador. - In perfect condition, and a marble memorial, where rest Svyatoslav and Devika. Even the lake on the estate is now filled with water, although more recently it was thought that it dries and is doomed to destruction.

"Through the efforts of these highly educated people laid the foundation of the museum exhibit - said Kadakin - but there was still everything related to the ongoing litigation. The litigation makes it impossible to open the farm for tourists."

As the final verdict on this case yet, under arrest are paintings of Svetoslav Roerich and many valuable things. During his visit to Bangalore, Russia's ambassador visited paintings, which were transferred to the custody of the funds of the National Art Gallery.

"In general, their condition is satisfactory. Moreover, proceeding from the fragmentary information that we receive, I expected it to be much worse. However, more time can not be overlooked. In principle, the Indian law is a clause allowing now to begin restoration work, but it requires a determined effort to deal headway. Russia has fully prepared for this, there is also a tentative agreement with local sponsors, who wish to provide financial assistance ", - said Kadakin.

As the head of Russia's diplomatic mission is seen in India, Tataguni should be created, this museum complex with an art gallery, a permanent exhibition of collections, photographic archives, correspondence, personal effects of the Roerich family, as well as children's school of painting. "The Indian side is positively disposed to cooperation in this matter, - the ambassador said. - In my meetings with representatives of the cultural elite of Karnataka, many say, how precious legacy of this extraordinary family, bringing together two people. It is noteworthy that, and now Bangalore is connected with Russia multitude of invisible but very tangible threads. This applies to the space industry and science-intensive industries, electronics, aerospace and IT-technology. The new model was opening an assembly plant KamAZ last Thursday. "Establishment of a new museum complex in the estate Tataguni - convinced Kadakin - should serve as an important part of our joint efforts to strengthen the Russo-Indian cultural and spiritual ties, without which there is our partnership in the new millennium.

BACKGROUND:

In 1948 Svetoslav Roerich and his wife Devika Rani (the star of early Indian cinema and the grandniece of the great poet Rabindranath Tagore) purchased from a British country estate "Tataguni" which is located 20 km from state capital Bangalore, Karnataka. Manor has an area of 468.33 acres (about 135 ha). In life he dreamed of turning this country estate in the cultural and scientific center.

S. Roerich died in January 1993 at the age of 89 years, in March 1994, died Devika Rani. Heirs they left. After their death, former secretary of the artist Mary Punacha filed several fraudulent wills, declaring himself the sole heir to the estate.

The government of Karnataka were not able to take steps to preserve personal property Roerich. M. Punacha able to assign almost all values. Disappeared many paintings, created by S. Roerich in the Kullu valley, a large collection of jewelry. Authorities stopped the theft, M. Punacha filed against some 13 criminal cases.

In 1996, the decree of the President of India was created by the International Roerich Memorial Trust, the Board of Trustees which includes representatives of the Indian government and state administration. According to the testament of Svetoslav Roerich in the estate decided to open a center of fine arts.

For the decree of President of India was followed by enactment of Karnataka from November 21, 1996 on the nationalization of the estates' Tataguni "(The Roerich and Devikarani Roerich Estate Act 1996)

In July 2002, the Karnataka High Court dismissed the private company Kay-Tee-Planteyshnz "on the transfer of her ownership of 223 acres of the estate" Tataguni. The company claimed that in 1992, Devika Rani, allegedly signed her contract for the sale of this site. However, the deal raised doubts since it was initiated M. Punacha, for their own greed, who convinced the elderly D. Rani sign the contract.

July 27, 2005 Supreme Court of India once again indefinitely postponed a final decision on real property of the Roerich family.

"We have long raised the issue that the legacy of Yuri Nikolayevich must find a worthy place in our country. We contacted the presidential administration, the Ministry of Culture, with the Foundation of Culture, but nobody noticed that after the death Iraida Bogdanova legacy of a man possessed Vasil'chik VY, which has no relation to the Roerich. We know that the last time he actively sold the paintings, the most valuable paintings from the inheritance YN Roerich, as well as relics and archival documents. Today it became clear that this heritage is almost lost to the culture of Russia. Despite all our attempts to do something, we did not find help. Since it was very difficult to understand what things are in the apartment, we raised the question of drawing up an inventory of relics. But no action was taken. Was demonstrated complete disregard for the issue of a precious heritage of senior Roerich, whose owner was Yuri. How to treat what just happened (we have in mind only received information from the Internet that several paintings had been stolen)? Thinking that this was a real robbery - no, of course! Because these "bandits" or "thieves" - both want their name taken only pictures. What happened and why - it's not my competence and the competence of those bodies are now working in an apartment on Leninsky Prospekt. But I think that we should take at least this negative fact, and put the question of whether to save the remainder of the heritage ".
On the question of the correspondent of the Interfax agency as to who is the official landlord replied, AV Stetsenko:

"Maybe Vasil'chik legally and is the owner of the apartment, but the owner of Heritage - No! International Center of the Roerich has repeatedly raised this issue at the highest level. There were calls from the letters, and press coverage, and statements on television. Always in our heart ached for that part of the heritage that has been thrown and the State and those persons who call themselves the successors. Based on a publication in Moscow News, entitled "Under the hood with Schellenberg, even criminal proceedings were instituted on the facts of the sale and attempted to take out Roerich's paintings, but, unfortunately, for some reasons unknown to us is a criminal case closed. To date, this part of the inheritance actually has no official heirs. Svetoslav Roerich in his time was removed from the inheritance his brother. And in the right of inheritance has not entered into any State, nor sister Bogdanovs, nor Vasil'chik. The situation was absurd situation in which some individuals, including Vasil'chik, impunity is allowed to dispose of the cultural heritage of Russia. Today's events - is a logical consequence of the fact that neither the state nor those who had been laid to follow the cultural heritage of the Roerich, nothing was done. You are in a public museum of Nicholas Roerich, Svetoslav Roerich created. Here is a real cultural center, but what is happening in the former apartment of Yuri Nikolaevich - is a disgrace for Russia ".
http://www.icr.su/rus/news/icr/index.php?news=133
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Stolen from the apartment YN Roerich paintings
http://www.icr.su/rus/news/site/index.php?news=137

Nature and the old surrounded by Nicholas Roerich Izvara during childhood and adolescence, it is here that created "special storage life," as defined the process itself, NK Roerich, evidenced by the excellent article "On the Nature", written by Roerich in 1901, shortly after the sale of the estate. In it he examines the innate desire of the first man to nature as "the only way of life":

"All of us drove in nature: the spiritual consciousness, and aesthetic requirements, and our bodies ...."

Laws of the universe opened up for the young in Roerich Izvara: "Life is a spiral in its culture faithfully brings us to the primary source of everything."

Not just a love of nature, but also the desire to explore the world around us must Roerich Izvara. He gathers the herbarium, a collection of minerals, the age of 13 receives from local government certificate for collection of eggs throughout the year in state forest cottages province with a scientific purpose, the result is a work: "The division of the birds of St. Petersburg Province in subclasses, schedules, squads , the family, "wrote the stories for the magazine" Russian hunter, "the essay" Hunting in the Tsar's County, "which detailed the nature and the world" Izvarskoy timber cottages. " An important result of the drag hunt was that Nicholas Roerich tempered, he became resilient. This is largely determined the success of the expeditions, which he later made in Asia.
It was here in Izvara, began dating Roerich with native history.

"In our izvarskoy library was a series of booklets about the old times how has to be Russian land. From his earliest years, from the beginning letters of loved these stories "- Roerich wrote. "There was about Battle of the Ice, and about Olga from Drevlyane, and about Yaroslav, and about Boris and Gleb ... Of course, there was also a battle of Kalka, and retelling," Lay, "and was Kulikovo, and Parting Sergius - Relight and Oslyabya. There were Minin with Pozharsky was Peter, and Suvorov, Kutuzov and ... On the cover was a Russian hero ax kicking against a ring of enemies. All this is remembered, and wanted to say, looking at this picture: "Do not Zamay!"

So in recognition of greatness Izvara born country, a desire to protect her feelings of love and compassion, "as the new gratuitous insult made the Russian people ..." And the invincible optimism born at the same time: "... did not help the Russian people who offended all kusatelstvo ... bounced different pests and oppressors and the Russian people in their boundless virgin vyorival new treasures. This, the ...

Familiarity with the history, many legends and stories that have kept people inhabiting izvarskuyu land rich in ancient monuments, naturally aroused a curious boy interested in archeology.

"About Izvara almost every village had extensive burial field from the X century to XIV. From an early age felt drawn to this unusual strange mounds, which were always entertaining, metal ancient things. "

It seemed as if fate itself had helped him. Ivanovo-known archaeologist at this time produced a local excavation mounds: "... it is all the more reinforced the desire to learn these old places closer." So, as a child, Nicholas Roerich began to participate in archaeological excavations under the guidance of an experienced archaeologist. The first finds young Roerich gives the high school, "throughout the second half of each summer school revealed something very exciting."

The ancient history of the earth woke izvarskoy imagination:

"Some mounds interwoven ancient legends. At night, there were afraid to pass. It's exciting silent burial field, hundreds of mounds obugrivshiesya. "

Thus, the land itself Izvara helped him in understanding the origins of the great Russian culture.

Archaeology - becoming one of the favorite pastimes of Roerich, in 1896 he began working with the Imperial Russian Archaeological Society, in 1897 becoming a member, staff member, giving lectures, conducting with the students visiting tours, archaeological digs have already engaged in a professional, making discovery. Until the end of his life he considered a very important science of archeology in the process of comprehension of the cultural history of mankind. In a landmark paper for him "Half a Century" Roerich wrote memorable words:

"Also, thank you, izvarskie mounds Nothing ... and in no way closer to the feeling as the ancient world, as a hand-excavation and touching, it is the first direct contact to the subject of great antiquity ... When these items are especially close with the historical image that somehow samosilno entered and settled in the mind, then things get even closer, and never forcefully ».

The fact that it was born in Izvara thought about the historical fate of "the peoples of the vastness of Russian," was born a citizen of his country's position indicate primarily paintings. In Izvara written: "Yaroslavna's Lament," "Svyatopolk Accursed", "Pskov", "Pushkari", "Veche", etc. Thinks and embodied "Slavic Suite," "Evening bogatyrstva Kiev" (1895-1896) - about as haughty heroes, rebelled against the celestial forces - the Higher World, against God and turned to stone. "Messenger" (1897) - about the lurch differences between feuding Slavic tribes, "Elders" (1898), "Trek" (1899). These early works - clear evidence of deep thinking about the causes of defeat and adversity, which upset the Russian people many times, thinking about the future. Here's how he wrote about these paintings, the artist himself later in the article "The Great Russian people" (1940): "Messenger of the uprising drove a canoe for forty three years ago. Then the Elders - narodopravny advice. The next year was going to mount a campaign for his country. Finally, they built a city. And the construction of the great Russian people bow.

Been waiting for so and so in sight I saw. "Elders" were accompanied by legends. Ended it like this:
"The elders of land Novagoroda
Come together under a tree of spreading,
Raven croaks on oak does not.
Dawn engaged for forests.
Shine, gleam Red Sun,
And our Russian land wakes up. "

Absorbed with the air of this ancient land of the images of nature, a great past, full of faith in the great future as well as its people, the artist embodies them in their historical landscape.

"Knights woke up" is now being written. Dedicated to the great Russian people. Once composed an epic "How the heroes were transferred to Russia," but at the same time believed that they wake up in the predestined hour will come out of the mountains, the caves and will make the construction of national ... Great Russian people there is nothing scary. All Win: and ice and heat, and smooth, and a thunderstorm. And it will build to a miracle ... "(June 24, 1940).

With Izvara bound and another significant aspect of family tradition, was of great importance for the formation of the artist world.

"From our family chronicle recall two episodes of general importance. About our estate about 55 years ago, before the church was burned during Lent. Such a calamity threatened throughout the district to meet without the Temple and Holy Week, and the light of Christ Celebration. Not to leave the locals without this spiritual joy, my father came to the aid of widely: one donated from the estate of buildings with the surrounding land, and within six weeks of toil building was transformed into a temple. Beamed tower, ripe iconostasis, and on Palm Sunday was rising and the consecration of the cross ... "

The second episode refers to the time of Peter the Great: great-great-grandfather, NK Roerich has refused to destroy a suburban church during the war "in his deep religiosity."

"Obviously, on the family tradition and I had to - writes Roerich - often have trouble in the case of Health and antiquities hramostroeniya».

Estate in Izvara sold. The money from the sale of Roerich went to France. Learn ...

A new stage of life. Continuation and development of what is born in Izvara.

Youth, a thirst for perfection, the desire to prove their right to choose is a way of life, meeting with Helena Shaposhnikova and marriage - eased the pain of parting with Izvara "nest." Besides, he remained until in Russia in St. Petersburg, very close. There is mention of the fact that Nicholas Roerich brought his sons to Izvara, showing their places of origin.

It was only in 1918, came the moment of farewell, when the circumstances were Roerich in Finland, which became an independent state, which means overseas ...

Was coming hard way, which is scheduled heart, separation from the motherland ... And then, in verse, he says his farewell Izvara:
I was ready to go on the road.
All that was mine, I have left.
You take it, my friends ...
But once, once more
Last I'll go all that
left behind.
NK Roerich. 1918

Of course, in the process of Nicholas Roerich as individuals mattered much. The influence of parents and relatives, school KI May the friends of his father, who included historians, orientalists, scholars and artists, and much more.

But note that it is with Izvara, which combined many aspects of this process in the Nicholas Roerich was connected "all the features, all sweet and memorable."

That Izvara helped to understand, to feel my heart is the only path that leads to the heights of the Spirit, who commanded us to Nicholas Roerich, in his "Testament":

«Love the motherland. Love the Russian people. Love all people in all the vastness of our country. Let this love to teach and to love all mankind. To love the motherland, it is necessary to know it ... »