Trees near the water. The branches of trees. 1870 Alexey Kondratievich Savrasov (1830-1897)

The drawing presents a study of foliage and water, divided into two distinct registers. The upper portion depicts a cluster of trees reflected in what appears to be a body of water. These trees are rendered with a delicate network of lines suggesting their branching structure; the artist has prioritized conveying the essence of their form rather than meticulous detail. The reflections in the water are suggested through fainter, more generalized markings, creating an impression of stillness and depth.
Below this upper scene, the composition shifts to focus on a single tree branch extending into the viewer’s space. This foreground element is drawn with greater intensity, its lines bolder and more defined. It appears to be emerging from dense foliage at the left edge of the drawing, creating a sense of enclosure and intimacy. The artists use of hatching and cross-hatching here adds texture and volume to the branch, emphasizing its three-dimensionality.
The overall effect is one of quiet observation and careful study. There’s an absence of overt narrative or dramatic action; instead, the drawing seems intended as a direct record of visual perception. The division into two registers suggests a deliberate compositional strategy – perhaps exploring different perspectives on the same subject, or contrasting the vastness of the landscape with the intimacy of a single branch.
The inscription at the bottom, 188 cba... to ty. lien, introduces an element of personal context, hinting at a dedication or possible recipient. This detail subtly shifts the drawing from a purely observational study into something more intimate and potentially sentimental. The limited tonal range – primarily relying on variations in line weight – contributes to the understated mood and reinforces the impression of a preliminary sketch or study rather than a finished work.