Orthodoxy as the Foundation of Russian Culture: The Role of Artists Mikhail Nesterov and Nicholas Roerich as Preservers and Interpreters of Cultural Heritage

Abstract

Orthodoxy has played a key role in shaping Russian culture for centuries, exerting a profound influence on art, architecture, literature, and lifestyle. This study is devoted to the analysis of the role of artists Mikhail Nesterov and Nicholas Roerich as guardians and interpreters of the Russian Orthodox cultural tradition. The aim of the work is to identify the ways and artistic means by which these artists expressed spiritual values and contributed to the preservation of the Orthodox heritage. The study uses a comparative method, as well as a religious, philosophical and plastic analysis of images and symbols in the works of Nesterov and Roerich. The features of their artistic practices are considered, reflecting the complex interaction between Orthodoxy and culture. The results show that the work of Nesterov and Roerich performs the function of cultural intermediaries, playing an important role in the transmission of spiritual and cultural values to subsequent generations. In the future, the main text will be expanded with the integration of links to key sources for a detailed disclosure of the topic and strengthening the scientific base. The work contributes to the development of modern cultural and religious discourse, expanding the understanding of the importance of Orthodox art for Russian cultural identity.