Sketch of an illustration for the story by N. V. Gogol Nevsky Prospekt Konstantin Andreevich Somov (1869-1939)

The drawing presents a bustling urban scene, likely intended as preparatory work for a narrative illustration. Here we observe a densely populated street, rendered with rapid, gestural lines that prioritize capturing movement and atmosphere over precise detail. The composition is dominated by the figures of pedestrians, their forms sketched in varying degrees of completion – some are mere outlines, others possess slightly more definition, suggesting an attempt to discern individual characteristics within the collective throng.
A central grouping draws immediate attention: a woman, elegantly dressed in what appears to be a high-waisted gown and elaborate headdress, is positioned slightly forward, seemingly engaged with another figure whose features are less distinct. The artist has emphasized her posture – she stands with an air of composure amidst the surrounding chaos, suggesting a position of relative importance or perhaps social standing within the depicted narrative.
The background dissolves into a flurry of lines, hinting at buildings and street lamps without fully defining them. This lack of specificity contributes to a sense of anonymity and reinforces the impression that the focus is on the interaction between individuals rather than the environment itself. The sketch’s monochromatic palette further enhances this effect, stripping away color as a potential distraction from the underlying narrative tension.
The hurried quality of the lines suggests an attempt to quickly capture a fleeting moment – perhaps a crucial encounter or a significant event unfolding within the story. It is likely that the artist was aiming to convey not just what happened but also the emotional climate and social dynamics of the scene, using the density of figures and their varied expressions to evoke a sense of both excitement and unease. The sketch’s unfinished nature allows for a degree of interpretive freedom; it invites the viewer to imagine the details that lie beyond the visible lines, contributing to the overall narrative context.