Nikolai Roerikh was an outstanding artist, scholar, traveller, public figure, writer, and philosopher. In his life, he created over seven thousand paintings presently deposited in museums around the world, as well as multiple literary works: books, essays, articles, and diaries.

Roerikh was interested in painting, archeology, and history since childhood. He was also fascinated by the rich cultural heritage of the Orient. His deep knowledge in those spheres was brought into focus in Roerikh’s paintings, amazing and unique.

The artist created both colorful costumes and settings for the ballet and its libretto. He was also involved in the development of the innovative choreography staged by the renowned dancer Vaslav Nijinsky. Igor Stravinsky dedicated the ballet score to the painter who inspired that work of art.