Nicholas Roerich

Nicholas Roerich, (October 9, 1874 - December 13, 1947)also known as Nikolai Konstantin(ovich) Rerikh, was a Russian Painter and religious leader. He was the father of artist Svetoslav Roerich, and with his wife Helena Ivanovna Roerich[?] was cofounder of the theosophical Agni Yoga Society (http://www.agniyoga.org).

Born in pre-revolutionary St. Petersburg, Russia to an elite family, he lived around the world until his death in Punjab, India. Trained as a lawyer, his interests lay in literature, philosophy, archaelogy and especially art.

He first visited New York City in 1920. After touring the US, he and his wife settled in the city, founding the Master Institute of the United Arts[?] and joined various theosophical societies which dominated their lives.

Roerich toured Asia, settling in India in 1929 where he founded an archaeological research center, the Himalayan Research Institute.

Nicholas Roerich was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by the University of Paris in 1929.

His concern for peace led to his creation of the Pax Cultura, the "Red Cross" of art and culture leading to the US signing of the Roerich Pact[?].

It was Roerich's suggestion that the U.S. dollar bill contain the Great Pyramid seal of the United States.

Today, the Nicholas Roerich Museum (http://www.roerich.org) in New York City is the artistic center of Roerich's work. Numerous Rerikh societies continue to promote his theosophical teachings worldwide.