Harbour at Marseilles 1890

Konstantin Korovin created this charcoal drawing, Harbour at Marseilles, with striking economy. At first glance, the composition seems almost chaotic, an array of dark marks on a light background. Yet, within this apparent disorder, a structure emerges. Korovin uses the charcoal to its full potential, creating a range of tones and textures. The bold, dark strokes in the foreground give way to lighter, more diffuse marks in the background, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. The scene is composed of a series of contrasts: light and dark, solid and void, defined and indistinct. It's a study in how much can be suggested with so little, inviting us to consider how our minds construct a coherent image from minimal visual information. What is a harbour if not an invitation for departure?