Harbour in Marseilles. 1890 Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin (1861-1939)

The drawing presents a bustling harbor scene, rendered in charcoal with a notable emphasis on atmospheric effect and rapid execution. Here we see a densely packed arrangement of masts and rigging dominating the upper portion of the composition, suggesting a significant port activity. These vertical elements are not precisely delineated but rather suggested through energetic strokes that convey a sense of height and complexity.
The lower section depicts water, rendered with horizontal lines that evoke movement and reflection. The surface is agitated, hinting at wind or currents, and it merges subtly with the darker tones of the background, creating an impression of depth. Several small boats are visible in the foreground, their forms loosely sketched and integrated into the overall texture of the drawing.
The artist employed a limited tonal range – primarily blacks, whites, and grays – to create a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. The lack of precise detail contributes to this feeling; objects are suggested rather than meticulously described. This approach lends itself to an impressionistic quality, prioritizing atmosphere over photographic accuracy.
A signature appears in the lower right corner, adding a personal touch to the work. It is executed with similar fluidity as the rest of the drawing, further reinforcing the sense of a quick study or preliminary sketch.
Subtly, the composition conveys a feeling of urban vitality and industry. The density of ships suggests a thriving trade center, while the loose rendering implies a fleeting moment captured in time. There’s an underlying tension between the ordered arrangement of masts and the chaotic energy of the water and foreground elements – a visual representation perhaps of the dynamic nature of port life.