A mountain painting by Russian painter Nikolai Roerich.

THAI NGUYEN  (VNS) — About 54 copies of paintings by noted Russian painter Nikolai Roerich (1874-1947) are on display at the Viet Nam Ethnic Groups' Culture Museum in the northern city of Thai Nguyen.

The paintings, which were created between 1903 and 1947, depict Russian legends, the people and the landscapes of middle Asia, India, Tibet, China and Mongolia.

The Russian painter has been called a "master of mountains" for his noted depictions of mountainous landscapes. He left behind more than 7,000 paintings on various materials, such as wood, cloth and canvas, several of which are in the possession of museums around the world.

He is also the author of 30 literature works, including poetry collections. He is believed to have travelled to several Asian countries to study different languages and Eastern philosophy.

The exhibition will run until January 28.— VNS