Pool. End of 1880 Isaac Ilyich Levitan (1860-1900)

The drawing presents a tranquil waterscape rendered in muted tones and loose sketching. Here we observe a body of water extending towards a distant horizon, its surface reflecting the sky above with a degree of distortion characteristic of rippling water. The shoreline is defined by a gentle slope rising into a densely wooded hillside.
Along the bank, several structures are discernible – a larger building with a prominent tower situated higher on the hill and a smaller, more modest dwelling closer to the waters edge. These buildings suggest human presence within this natural setting, though their scale is subordinate to the landscape itself. The artist employed a technique of layered hatching and cross-hatching to build up tonal values, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective and depth.
The composition is dominated by horizontal lines – the shoreline, the waters edge, and the horizon line – which contribute to an overall feeling of serenity and stillness. A subtle verticality is introduced by the tower on the hill, providing a focal point that draws the eye upwards. The sky, rendered with quick, gestural strokes, suggests overcast conditions, diffusing the light and softening the scenes mood.
Subtly, the presence of buildings introduces an element of narrative potential. One might interpret these structures as representing civilization’s interaction with nature – a quiet coexistence rather than a forceful imposition. The tower, in particular, hints at historical or cultural significance, perhaps suggesting a place of contemplation or community gathering. The overall effect is one of quiet observation and understated beauty, inviting the viewer to contemplate the relationship between humanity and the natural world.