In Search of True Beauty and Genuine Knowledge: The Life and Work of Nicholas Roerich

In Search of True Beauty and Genuine Knowledge: The Life and Work of Nicholas Roerich by Dr Natalia Budanova (in Russian with presentation slides in English)

General public knows Nicholas Roerich (1874-1947) primarily as the author of numerous mountain landscapes whose paintings are kept in the Russian Museum (St Petersburg) the Tretyakov Gallery and the Museum of Oriental Art (both Moscow) as well as private collections around the world. But his activities were not limited exclusively to artistic creativity. A writer traveller archaeologist stage designer philosopher and public figure Roerich revived ancient Russian crafts participated in excavations of ancient burial sites created the philosophical doctrine of “Living Ethics” and drew up the first international agreement on the protection of cultural values known as the ‘Roerich Pact’. Natalia Budanova in her lecture offers insights into the biography and prolific career of this remarkable man.

When: Mon 28 April, 18:30-20:30

Where: The Old Library, Pembroke College, Cambridge, CB2 1RG

Language: The lecture will be delivered in Russian, with presentation slides provided in English

Format: In person & Online via Zoom

In person tickets: £5 – CamRuss members & concessions; £8 – Standard

Zoom tickets: £5 – Standard (includes video recording), Free – CamRuSS members & students.

Access to video recording: Free for CamRuSS members, £5 for all others.

This event will be followed by a drinks reception.

Dr Natalia Y. Budanova (PhD Courtauld Institute of Art) is an art historian and the author of publications on the art of the Silver Age the early Russian avant-garde and the work of women artists of pre-revolutionary Russia. Her book Two Women Patrons of the Russian Avant-garde (co-authored with Dr N. Murray) London: Unicorn 2021 explores the formation of the Russian art market and the activities of the first private galleries in Moscow and St Petersburg.