Crimea. 1892 23h33. 2 Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898)

The drawing presents a stark and expansive landscape dominated by geological formations. Here we observe a rocky terrain, strewn with boulders of varying sizes that occupy much of the foreground. These rocks are rendered with meticulous detail, emphasizing their texture and mass through dense cross-hatching. The ground itself appears dry and sparsely vegetated, contributing to an overall impression of aridity and ruggedness.
Beyond this immediate foreground, a valley stretches into the distance, flanked by imposing mountain ranges. The mountains rise abruptly, their peaks partially obscured by swirling clouds that introduce a sense of atmospheric depth and drama. Light plays across these formations, creating highlights on some surfaces while leaving others in shadow, further accentuating their scale and solidity.
The artist’s use of tonal variation is particularly noteworthy. A range of grays, from deep blacks to pale whites, defines the forms and creates a palpable sense of volume. The sky, rendered with looser hatching, suggests movement and instability. This contrasts with the static weight of the rocks and mountains below.
Subtly, the drawing conveys a feeling of isolation and perhaps even desolation. There are no signs of human presence or activity; the landscape appears untouched and indifferent to any potential observer. The sheer scale of the natural features dwarfs any conceivable human endeavor, suggesting a reverence for nature’s power and immensity.
The precise rendering style, with its emphasis on detail and texture, hints at an interest in scientific observation alongside artistic expression. It is possible that the work aims not only to depict a specific location but also to document its geological characteristics. The time indicated in the title (23h33) could be interpreted as a reference to a precise moment of observation or recording, reinforcing this sense of meticulous documentation.