The Raising of Lazarus 

Mikhail Nesterov created this drawing "The Raising of Lazarus," using graphite and ink to craft a scene steeped in solemnity. The composition, predominantly monochromatic, evokes a feeling of austere reverence, emphasizing the stark contrast between life and death. The figures are arranged in a shallow depth, almost pressed against the picture plane, which creates a sense of immediacy. Nesterov employs line and shading to define form, yet the overall effect is ethereal, as if the scene exists between worlds. The figures in the background, partially obscured, enhance the mystique, drawing the viewer's eye to Christ, the focal point, with his gesture of divine intervention. Nesterov subtly destabilizes the traditional iconography through his rendering. The lack of vibrant color and the emphasis on line and form over detailed realism encourage a deeper contemplation of the spiritual essence of the scene. The artwork stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, rendered through a lens of formal restraint.