Illustration for Dostoevsky's "The Possessed" 1913

Mstislav Dobuzhinsky's 1913 illustration for Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel, "The Possessed", captures the novel's dark and brooding atmosphere. The scene depicts a solitary figure in a desolate, rain-swept setting illuminated only by a flickering streetlamp, evoking a sense of isolation and foreboding, characteristic of the novel's themes of alienation and social unrest. This piece showcases Dobuzhinsky’s masterful use of black and white, creating a stark contrast between the dark foreground and the shadowy background. His signature style is evident in the bold strokes and expressive lines, capturing the intensity of Dostoevsky's narrative.