Near Bordighera. In northern Italy, 2. 1890 Isaac Ilyich Levitan (1860-1900)

The canvas presents a view of a small settlement nestled within a gently sloping landscape. Buildings constructed from rough-hewn stone dominate the foreground, their forms irregular and seemingly organically grown from the terrain. The structures are multi-storied, with visible signs of age and weathering; crumbling facades, faded shutters painted in muted turquoise, and terracotta roof tiles exhibiting varying degrees of decay contribute to a sense of history and quiet endurance.
The artist has employed a palette dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, grays – which reinforce the impression of solidity and permanence. Patches of vibrant green grass soften the harshness of the stone, while small trees with blossoming white flowers punctuate the scene, introducing a touch of life and renewal. The foliage is rendered with loose brushstrokes, suggesting a fleeting moment in time, perhaps early spring.
Behind the buildings, a range of hills rises into a hazy sky. These distant forms are painted with less detail, their contours blurred by atmospheric perspective, creating depth within the composition. A sense of enclosure and seclusion pervades the scene; the settlement appears isolated from the wider world, sheltered by its natural surroundings.
The lighting is diffused, lacking strong contrasts or dramatic shadows. This even illumination contributes to a mood of tranquility and introspection. The absence of human figures further emphasizes this feeling of stillness and solitude. One might interpret the work as an exploration of rural life, a meditation on the passage of time, or a celebration of the beauty found in simplicity and decay. It evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era, hinting at stories embedded within the weathered walls and overgrown landscape.