Nicholas Roerich

Collection of Louis and Nettie Horch, New York (acquired directly from the artist)
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner, circa 1977

New York, Nicholas Roerich Museum (permanent collection), 1923-1935

Coroni Mundi International Art Center, Roerich, New York, 1924, pl. [52], illustrated
F. Grant et al., Roerich, Himalaya, A Monograph, New York, 1926, p. 199
Roerich Museum Catalogue, New York, 1930, no. 191

This painting has been retouched in the past. These retouches are clearly visible under ultraviolet light in the water, on the right side particularly, and in the sky in the center left and upper center. There is also a retouching above the boat in the island beyond and there are other retouches in the rocks in the lower left. Most of these retouches are not as accurate as one would like and the painting could be reexamined by a restorer. The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

In 1922 Roerich traveled to Monhegan, a secluded island off the coast of Maine which he painted in several compelling compositions. Roerich's trip to Monhegan was momentous, for it was there that he convinced his closest American followers and patrons to establish the Nicholas Roerich Museum in New York, as well as other cultural institutions. It was also there that he convinced them to fund his journey to Central Asia, where he spent the rest of his life and painted many of his best-known series.