The top of Mount Elbrus in the Sunlight 1908

Arkhyp Kuindzhi painted "The top of Mount Elbrus in the Sunlight," with oil on canvas, and wow, does he know how to make a surface shimmer. Look how he handled the paint, thick and thin in turns, building up textures that give the mountain a real sense of presence. It's all about layering, letting those under colors peek through, like secrets waiting to be discovered. Notice the contrast between the cool blues in the sky and the warm, earthy tones of the rocks. It's not just about what we see, but how we feel when we see it. That jagged edge on the left foreground is like a little jolt, a reminder of the raw, untamed power of nature. Kuindzhi's playing with light and shadow, creating drama, and inviting us to contemplate the sublime. It’s a bit like Friedrich, but more rugged. It’s like he’s saying, "Hey, beauty can be a little rough around the edges, and that's okay."