Old Town (2) Roerich N.K. (Part 2)

The drawing presents a constricted urban vista, dominated by tightly packed buildings that rise steeply on either side. The perspective is sharply angled, emphasizing the narrowness and depth of the alleyway. Here we see a cobbled street winding its way into the distance, disappearing around a bend obscured by the architecture.
The artist employed a technique characterized by dense hatching and cross-hatching to render the buildings, creating a sense of textural complexity and shadow. The roofs are particularly detailed with numerous lines suggesting individual tiles or slates, contributing to an impression of age and accumulated history. Light appears to emanate from an unseen source at the far end of the alleyway, casting deep shadows that further accentuate the three-dimensionality of the scene. A single lantern hangs on a wall, its light barely penetrating the gloom, adding a touch of melancholy.
The composition conveys a feeling of enclosure and perhaps even confinement. The buildings seem to press in upon the viewer, creating an atmosphere of quiet solitude or introspection. The lack of human figures reinforces this sense of isolation; the space feels deserted, as if frozen in time.
Subtly, theres a suggestion of decay or neglect. While not overtly dilapidated, the buildings appear weathered and worn, hinting at a past that is fading. This contributes to an overall mood of quiet contemplation on the passage of time and the enduring nature of urban spaces. The date inscribed at the bottom right corner (1915) places this work within a period marked by significant historical upheaval, which may subtly inform the somber tone and sense of introspection present in the drawing.