Nicholas Roerich (1874 - 1947)

[Евгений]

Russia painter, theater artist, archaeologist, traveler, writer and public figure. Nicholas Roerich - father orientalist YN Roerich (1902-1960) and artist SN Roerich (1904-1991). Translated from the Scandinavian name Roerich means rich glory. According to family legend, its origin refers to the Vikings. One of the oldest members of the genus Roerich in the XIII century led the Knights Templar Order, among the ancestors of NK Roerich was policy and military commanders.

Nicholas Roerich was born Oct. 9 (old style - 27 September) 1874 in St. Petersburg, the son of a notary of the District Court of St. Petersburg (from 1873). Father Nicholas Roerich, Konstantin Fedorovich, in 1860 married Mary Vasil Kalashnikova and settled with her in St. Petersburg - in a mansion on the waterfront Nikolayev (now University), which opened his own law firm.

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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.

[Jasmin]

"Meheski. Lunar people" and "Lonely traveler" - a strong impression ... Although not a fan of Roerich, but these two works amazing ... Thank you, Eugene.

[eva777]

recently there was a transfer of Roerich, for Culture, had time only to the end: (

[Евгений]

09/10/2009
In Odessa House-Museum Nicholas Roerich was an evening dedicated to 135 anniversary of Nicholas Roerich, who celebrated on October 9.
By Director House Museum Elena G. Petrenko:

- Nicholas Roerich was an outstanding Russian artist, writer, poet, champion of the world - the author of the treaty on the conservation of scientific and cultural values, a scientist. In Ukraine, many art museums have original paintings by Nicholas Roerich. Four works are in Odessa. One of the works you see in our museum. It belongs to the so-called architectural series. In 1903-1904 Roerich traveled to sketch the temples of the mosaics and murals of those who were destroyed. This series of contemporary, called the Pantheon of Russian glory.

From 23 to 25 October in our museum will be 12-th International scientific-practical conference devoted to collections and collectors. It will participate in a particular State Russian Museum (St. Petersburg), State Historical Museum of Russia, the Museum of Russian Art (Kiev), Kharkiv, Mykolayiv art museums and other museums in Ukraine. The topics raised at our conferences, go beyond the "Roerich". After Roerich Museum understood not as a repository, not as a dead pantry, first of all - community of music. Therefore, in our museum is always playing music, held literary evenings, book presentations, exhibitions. What made the Roerich family - is a huge contribution to world culture. Paul studies Roerich was life. A central feature here is the scientific and philosophical doctrine of "Living Ethics". It tries to answer the questions: how to live life, how to get through life, what are the goals and objectives of man? These questions and their answers are quite applicable to modern man.
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Exhibition of paintings by Nicholas Roerich Museum opens in Perm
Native will be able to visit the exhibition of paintings by the famous scientist, artist and traveler Nicholas Roerich. It opens Oct. 9 at a branch of the Perm Regional Museum.

Exhibition of works from the collections of the Museum. NK Roerich Museum in Moscow is called "On the tracks of Middle Asia" and is dedicated to the unique events of the XX century - the Central-Asian expedition in 1923 - 1928, which was conducted under the guidance of the artist.

51 Here is a picture of the Roerich and one work of his younger son. The exhibition also - photo and video about the life and activities of the Roerich.

During the event, held lectures, permyaks see documentary films and multimedia programs. The exhibition will be open until 29 November.

[Тютчев]

February 27, 2010 11:01

House Roerich

saved from death Roerich in the South Indian city of Bangalore in need of urgent conversion to a museum, or to talk about his future is difficult

Bangalore. February 27. INTERFAX.RU - famous Roerich Tataguni, located on the outskirts of the South Indian city of Bangalore, "escaped death, but urgently needs to be turned into a museum, believes Russia's ambassador to India, Alexander Kadakin.

"For the first time in many years, I left Tataguni without heaviness in his heart, because convinced that his farm is now maintained in perfect order - said Kadakin, who visited the estate on Friday. - But it is all kept on the enthusiasm of the true devotees, meanwhile, analyzed their archived Materials should be the foundation of permanent museum display, - he said. - It is also important to urgently address the restoration of the most affected paintings of Svetoslav Roerich. Fortunately, many of them. The remaining canvases require only a few "cosmetic care for refreshment."

Throughout the long years of unique estate is threatened total loss of its cultural and spiritual treasures, they have gathered Svetoslav Roerich and his famous wife, the first Indian movie star, Devika Rani. During a half-decade-long litigation over Tataguni. Former secretary of the family is trying by hook or by crook to defend his questionable right to inherit the outstanding Russian artist and thinker. And most of that time the mansion was virtually abandoned, gradually coming to a complete desolation.

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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.

Browser Eugene Lenz /Interfax /
http://www.interfax.ru/culture/txt.asp?id=125536

[Евгений]

Сообщение от Tjutchev

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.

 First in April 2008 in Moscow was burglarized apartment that once belonged to a prominent scientist-orientalist, Professor Yuri Nikolayevich Roerich, the son of the great Russian artist and philosopher Nicholas Roerich. For requesting comments on the International Roerich Center of the media representatives held a press conference during which questions of correspondents answered: first vice-president of IDC, General Director of the Museum named after NK Roerich LV Shaposhnikov and First Deputy General Director of the Museum of AV Stetsenko. Journalists participants of the press conference by the Interfax news agency, "Izvestia", TVC TV, Vesti, REN TV.
Questions about what happened TVC television LV Shaposhnikov said:

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"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

stolen from the apartment YN Roerich's paintings (by Nicholas Roerich):

[KaterinaMN]

Eugene,

we now have in the Manege is quite remarkable exhibition devoted not only Nicholas, but the whole family Roerich and the contribution they have made to world culture. his painting, pictures of his sons, the book's inner circle. in general - have not seen in the Manege a job well done and well-taught exhibition.
Unfortunately, there are not allowed to shoot, and yesterday, when I was there, the catalog has already sold out - so no pictures.
and yet - all Highly recommended - the exhibition will run in St. Petersburg until mid-May.

[Тютчев]

Monument to Nicholas Roerich open in St. Petersburg

09/11/201001: 15

S. PETERSBURG, Nov. 9 - RIA Novosti. Monument to a famous artist Nicholas Roerich open in St. Petersburg on Tuesday to celebrate the 136-year anniversary of his birth, the press service of the City Committee for Culture.

The creators of 3,5-meter monument, which is made of Karelian granite, are the sculptor and architect Victor Zaiko Yuri Kozhin.

Monument to install on Vasilevsky Island, which is connected with much of the life of Nicholas Roerich. He was born on the University Embankment 27 September 1874. Then on 14 lines, where there was a high school in May, he received his secondary education, and continued his studies at the Academy of Arts and Faculty of Law at St. Petersburg University, which is also located on Vasilevsky Island.

The committee say that this is not the first monument to Nicholas Roerich in Russia. In the summer of 2009 in the Altai Territory was installed a marble monument by sculptor Vladimir Voychishina. In addition, in Moscow on the estate before Lopukhins name of Nicholas Roerich Museum is a monument to Nicholas Roerich and Helena. And in the Latvian capital named for him one of the streets.

During his artistic career Nicholas Roerich created about seven thousand paintings, many of whom are well-known galleries in the world, including "The Road to Kailash", "Pink Sky", "Saint Genevieve" and "Saint Mercurius of Smolensk." In addition, the artist wrote about 30 literary works, among which the "Altai Himalaya: Trip Diary", "East West" and "Heart of Asia".

http://www.rian.ru/culture/20101109/294043753.html

[Тютчев]

In India, the book first appeared with the head of Roerich art

The section on the Nicholas Roerich - an outstanding Russian artist, philosopher, explorer and scientist for the first time included in the Indian books in Hindi in one of the states in the country.
Russian Ambassador to India Alexander Kadakin emphasized that the appearance of this edition - a unique event, a recognition of the importance of heritage famous Russian artist in more than a billionth the country, "Interfax".

A dozen pages of the section illustrated archive photographs and reproductions of famous landscapes of the Himalayan masters. An introductory article written Indian art Priyag Shukla.

Allowance for home reading is included in the compulsory program of general education students in grade 11 public schools in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. His goal - to acquaint high school students with the most prominent representatives of national and world culture.

Textbook published by the Office of Education Himachal Pradesh, which is associated with nearly two decades of fruitful work of Roerich. In 1929, he and his family settled in the area Naggar, located in the Kullu valley in the Western Himalayas.

In Roerich Hall Estate manor born not only works of art, but also scientific and philosophical works. In the here-based Institute of Himalayan Studies "Urusvati" ("Light of the Morning Star") was a comprehensive analysis of the results of trans-missions, on the history and culture, mineralogy and botany, archeology and ethnography, zoology and linguistics, philosophy and religion, traditional medicine, the arts and folklore.

The inclusion of a new course in the curriculum to the activities of the International Roerich Memorial Trust (IRMT), established in 1992 by the artist and social activist Svetoslav Roerich.

Conceived as a joint Russian-Indian project, he actively promotes the preservation and development of scientific, spiritual, historical and cultural heritage of great Russian family.

Efforts IRMT reserved homestead has become one of the most appealing attractions of Himachal Pradesh. Every year it is visited by up to 100 thousand tourists from India and abroad, including hundreds of Russians.

According to executive director and curator IRMT Alena Adamkovoy, which became the main author of the article section of the Roerich's book, Trust intends to continue to provide whatever information support in this area.

 
http://www.izvestia.ru/news/491009

[Santa]

Сообщение от Eugene , 639 025"

Nicholas Roerich was an outstanding Russian artist, writer, poet, champion of the world - the author of the treaty on the preservation of scientific and cultural values ​​of the scientist .

Now entering the Roerich Museum in Moscow blossomed rose of exceptional beauty .
Such gorgeous flowers I have never seen a long time ..
Generally, a piece of paradise in the heart of Moscow.
What is very significant , in my opinion ..