Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich

Roerich Museum, New York, 1923–1935
Nettie and Louis Horch, USA

Denver Art Association, Exhibition of Pictures & Designs by Roerich, 1–30  December 1921, no.179
The Kansas City Art Institute, Drawings, Paintings, Designs by Nicholas Roerich, 15 February–15 March 1922,  no.179
Cleveland, Museum of Art; Indianapolis, Herron Art Institute; Minnesota, State Fair exhibition; Milwaukee, Art Institute; Detroit, Institute of Art; and more cities in years 1922–1923. no.179
New York, Roerich Museum permanent collection, 1923–1935, no.74
San Antonio, McNey Art Institute, September-October 1974, no.16

Roerich, New York: Corona Mundi, 1924, Illustrated pl.[19]
Roerich Museum Catalogue., New York: Roerich Museum, 1930, p.17

Original canvas. Apart from a small pin hole to the right corner, the picture is in good overall condition. Held in the original wood frame and behind glass. No signs of retouching under UV light,
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This painting is a variation of one from the Heroica series, which was completed in 1917 (fig.1). The original Command was sold soon afterwards, but Roerich believed that the message it carried was so important that a second version—the painting offered here—was painted and included in the exhibition of his works that toured US cities from 1920 until 1923.

The Command is a poignant, personal statement of the artist, conceived amidst the collapse of countries and values, and in the face of all-engulfing chaos and destruction. We are left to ponder whether the command comes from a man, crying out to the Heavens to stop the madness, or from the Heavens, challenging him to continue striving. Perhaps it is a command given by Man and Heaven together, united in a supreme effort to rein in the forces that threaten the very existence of both. As in so many of his previous works, he expresses the past as the source of true values and strength, this time through the depiction of the ancient garment of the figure.

In this later version, Roerich finds a closer connection between the figure and the mountainous, imposing clouds, as the man's hand and the lines of rocks both recede into the distance. The darker shades of blue cast a mood that is more expressive, enhancing the sombre and powerful atmosphere. The Command is an example of Roerich at the height of his prowess, as he uses his art to convey an emotionally stirring concept.

We are grateful to Gvido Trepša, Senior Researcher at The Nicholas Roerich Museum, New York for providing this note.