In the mountains (Twilight in the mountains) Arseny Meshersky (1834-1902)

The canvas presents a landscape dominated by imposing mountain peaks bathed in the subdued light of twilight. The composition is structured around a central massif, its upper reaches capped with snow and illuminated by a pale, diffused glow. Below this prominence, a series of undulating hills descend into a foreground valley.
A striking color palette characterizes the work. A cool, almost ethereal turquoise pervades the sky, contrasting sharply with the warm tones – ochre, russet, and crimson – that define the mountain slopes closer to the viewer. This juxtaposition creates a sense of depth and atmospheric perspective, suggesting vast distances and an enveloping stillness. The foreground vegetation is rendered in darker greens and browns, further emphasizing the recession into space.
The artist’s brushwork appears loose and expressive, particularly evident in the rendering of the sky and distant hills. These areas are characterized by broad strokes that blend colors seamlessly, conveying a sense of atmospheric haze. In contrast, the mountain peaks display more defined edges and a greater textural complexity, suggesting their solidity and permanence.
The absence of human presence contributes to the painting’s overall mood of solitude and contemplation. The scene evokes a feeling of awe in the face of natures grandeur, hinting at themes of isolation, resilience, and the sublime. The twilight hour itself suggests a transitional moment – a time of reflection and quiet beauty between day and night. It is possible that the artist intended to convey not merely a visual representation of a mountain landscape but also an emotional response to its power and majesty.